Prime Minister Andy Burnham is understood to have cancelled engagements for Monday and Tuesday (September 14 and 15) due to the death of his father, Roy.
His father had been living with Alzheimer’s and died at the age of 86.
In an interview with The Times before moving into Downing Street in July, Mr Burnham told of his “sadness” that his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s meant he would not know of his son’s success.
“That’s a sadness because he would be (proud),” Mr Burnham said.
🚨 BREAKING: Andy Burnham's father Roy has died after suffering with dementia
He has cancelled all engagements for today and tomorrow pic.twitter.com/VdeipDhjCp— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) September 14, 2026
“The way I look at it, it’s his achievement as well.
“A whole family achievement although he doesn’t know it.”
Mr Burnham has also vowed to “grasp the nettle” of reforming the adult social care system, drawing on his father’s experience in care.
He described the “broken social care system” in England as “the worst of all worlds” and said that it is a “massive” priority for the public.
Several people took to X to pay tribute to Roy and pass their condolences onto Andy Burnham and his family.
One person wrote: "Whatever our political differences, this is desperately sad news.
"I can’t imagine what Andy Burnham and his family are going through after losing Roy, particularly after the cruelty of dementia.
"My thoughts are genuinely with them all today."
Another posted: "Heartbreaking and I send my condolences to Andy and his family."
A third shared: "Deepest condolences to you and your family."
Reform councillor Samantha Gethen also shared: "Thinking of Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his family following the death of his father Roy.
"This is a moment for compassion.
"My condolences to him and all his family."
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