Andy Burnham photos over the years: His ups, downs and 'scandals' (AKA wearing t-shirts in Parliament, ahem)

One of the defining moments of Burnham's career came during the 20th anniversary memorial service for the Hillsborough disaster (where 97 Liverpool fans died during a crowd crush in a football stadium). Those left behind were deeply upset by the government's handling of the tragedy.

After being booed at a 20th anniversary memorial, rather than distancing himself, Burnham took up the cause and helped to pursue justice for the 97 victims, persuading Gordon Brown to allow Hillsborough to be debated in Parliament, a move that ultimately helped pave the way for the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

Years later, after the inquests concluded, Burnham delivered an emotional Commons speech describing South Yorkshire Police as having been "rotten to the core", receiving the rare honour of applause from MPs.

Here, Burnham is seen comforting two women in 2012, who both lost relatives in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, outside the High Court in central London, when the accidental death verdicts were quashed.

After losing the leadership bid to Ed Milliband, Burnham was spotted playing in a traditional football match of politicians vs journalists.

He'd try again for the role in 2015 (also unsuccessfully) and again in 2026, where it was a case of third time's a charm.

This time around, Burnham lost out to Jeremy Corbyn – who later left the Labour party and is now the co-leader of Your Party, with fellow ex-Labour MP, Zarah Sultana.

Seen here celebrating, Andy Burnham won the very first Mayor of Greater Manchester election, as six new metro mayors are appointed by government.

Heartbreakingly, just weeks into his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, the city faced a devastating bomb attack during an Ariana Grande concert, resulting in the deaths of 22 people.

Burnham was seen at many subsequent fundraiser events, paying tribute with flowers and praised residents in their response, encouraging Mancunians to stay strong.

"After our darkest of nights, Manchester is today waking up to the most difficult of dawns," he said in one press statement. "It is hard to believe what has happened here in the last few hours and to put into words the shock, anger and hurt that we feel today.

"These were children, young people and their families that those responsible chose to terrorise and kill. This was an evil act."

While delivering an impassioned speech about the impact of the pandemic on Manchester, and the lack of support from central government, Andy Burnham responded to an update saying Manchester would be forced into Tier 3 lockdown due to the virus. Reacting off the cuff, and defending his region, saw Burnham amass ample headlines – and lots of commentary on his casual dress sense.

His navy jacket, worn during the speech, was later put on display in the People's History Museum. Burnham later said of his decision to forgo the classic political attire of a suit and tie, "I remember, when I left [Westminster], slowly realising: 'I don't have to do this any more'. What I would have worn to the match at weekends, I just started wearing. It was an evolution and I’m not going back [to suits]."

Having won the second mayoral election, Burnham secured a third term – seen here, he launched his bid at the Salford Lads Club.

Unable to become Prime Minister unless he was already an MP, Burnham undertook the challenge to run for MP of Makerfield in a byelection (triggered to allow him the chance to run, and later take on Keir Starmer in a tussle for the Prime Ministership).

Seen here hugging his wife, Marie-France van Heel, Burnham celebrated winning his bid to become Labour's leader – and, after failing to be challenged by any colleagues, the role of Prime Minister.