New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has never hid his love for the Toffees
Andy Burnham delivers his inaugural speech as UK's new Prime Minister
Andy Burnham delivers his inaugural speech as UK's new Prime Minister (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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The new Toffee in Number 10 has been sent well wishes by his favourite football club. Andy Burnham has made no secret of his love for Everton FC over the years.
As he became the new Prime Minister earlier today, the Blues were represented on the steps of Downing Street as former midfield general Peter Reid was among the guests to greet Mr Burnham. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester has said he hopes to keep his season ticket at Hill Dickinson Stadium as he swaps Wigan for Westminster.
With his foot now in the door, his beloved Blues have sent their congratulations to Mr Burnham. He becomes the second Everton fan to be leader of a government in a Commonwealth nation, with fellow Evertonian Mark Carney elected as the Prime Minister of Canada last year.
The Merseyside-born politician visited King Charles after Sir Keir Starmer formally resigned and has officially accepted an invitation to form a new government. After his trip to Buckingham Palace, Mr Burnham, who spent the first year of his life in Old Roan in Aintree before growing up in Culcheth near Warrington, returned to Downing Street to a rapturous reception from friends and family.
Andy Burnham with former Everton star Tim Cahill at Goodison Park
Andy Burnham with former Everton star Tim Cahill at Goodison Park(Image: Andy Burnham)
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Mr Burnham takes over from Sir Keir, famously an Arsenal fan, and becomes the first occupant of Downing Street born in the Liverpool City Region for more than a century. He told crowds how later this year he will bring forward a “New 10-year-plan for Britain.”
Following his confirmation to the new role, Everton FC posted a series of images on social media showing Mr Burnham’s long association with the club.
The caption read: “A Toffee at No.10
“Congratulations to Andy Burnham on becoming the UK’s Prime Minister. A lifelong Evertonian, long-time Hillsborough Law campaigner, regular Fans Supporting Foodbanks donor and Everton in the Community fundraiser.
Andy Burnham leaving his house in Warrington wearing a retro Everton shirt on Friday, May 15
Andy Burnham leaving his house in Warrington wearing a retro Everton shirt on Friday, May 15(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
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“Wishing you nothing but the best in your new role.” Mr Burnham caught the attention of the world’s media when he was pictured in a retro Everton shirt after indicating he would stand in the Makerfield by-election last month.
He was also seen at the club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for Rugby League’s Magic Weekend when he pledged to do more for the sport from the “highest office.”
During Everton's financial difficulties and points deductions, Mr Burnham was one of the most ardent critics of the decision, saying it was proof the Premier League “couldn't regulate football properly.”
The new PM has also been a strong critic of video assistant referees, saying he would scrap the system altogether.