Andy Burnham announces death of father following battle with Alzheimer's
Andy Burnham had previously spoken about his father's battle with Alzheimer's saying that he did not know that his son had become PM.
Andy Burnham has cancelled engagements for today and tomorrow after announcing the death of his father, Roy.
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Mr Burnham has spoken openly about his father’s Alzheimer's, which meant that he did not know his son had become Prime Minister.
The experience is one of the driving factors in the Prime Minister’s aim to reform the social care system.
Mr Burnham had been due to host business leaders in No 10 on Monday afternoon but will no longer take part.
Kenneth Roy Burnham (who was known as Roy) worked as a telephone engineer for BT.
In an interview with The Times on the eve of taking office in July, Mr Burnham revealed the extent of his father’s illness and Roy was unaware that he was on the brink of power.
“That’s a sadness because he would be (proud),” Mr Burnham said.
“The way I look at it, it’s his achievement as well.
“A whole family achievement although he doesn’t know it.”
In a major speech about reform of social care later that month, Mr Burnham promised to help “my dad and the millions like him” faced with the unfairness of the current system.
Paul Edwards, Chief Nursing Officer at Dementia UK, said: “We’re deeply sorry to hear that Prime Minister, Andy Burnham’s father, Roy Burnham, has died having lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time.
“The Prime Minister spoke candidly about his family’s experience with dementia and the challenges they faced securing the care and support they needed. His openness has helped shine an important light on the profound impact that dementia can have on the whole family, as well as the urgent need to improve dementia care and support.
"Anyone affected by this news can contact Dementia UK’s free Helpline for support from a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, including support with grief and bereavement by calling 0800 888 6678 or emailing helpline@dementiauk.org."
'Deeply saddened'
Michelle Dyson CB, CEO at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are deeply saddened by the news that Roy Burnham – the Prime Minister’s father – has died. Roy had been living with Alzheimer’s disease. The loss of a parent leaves an immeasurable gap in our lives. While every family's experience is unique, many of us understand the long and often challenging journey that Alzheimer's disease can bring, not only for the person living with the condition but for those who love them.
“The Prime Minister has been a longstanding advocate for improving the lives of people affected by dementia, often drawing on his father's experiences. As Mayor of Greater Manchester, he supported dementia-focused initiatives delivered with us, including the expansion of our Singing for the Brain programme and ran alongside thousands at the Great North Run for Alzheimer’s Society in 2024. Most importantly, he has consistently used his voice to highlight the urgent need for social care and dementia care reforms.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and to anyone else who has experienced the heartache of losing someone to dementia. Alzheimer’s Society is here for anyone affected by dementia – visit alzheimers.org.uk or phone our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.”
Yesterday, Mr Burnham completed the Great North Run in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
He raced in aid of Changing Lives, a North East based homelessness charity.
He completed the 13.1mile event in just under two hours.