Andy Burnham is now the U.K.’s prime minister following the resignation of Keir Starmer. Upon assuming the role, Burnham immediately unveiled a new Cabinet and promised to tackle the country’s cost-of-living crisis and reform social care. But for Britain’s LGBTQ+ community, the biggest question is what his leadership will mean for equality, especially during a particularly low moment for queer and trans rights in the U.K.
However, Burnham arrives in office with one of Labour’s longest records of public support for LGBTQ+ rights. While serving as Health Secretary, he voted in favor of the Equality Act and later backed the legalization of same-sex marriage, despite the issue dividing Parliament at the time. During his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, he regularly attended Manchester Pride. He even described the city as a place where “everyone should feel safe to be themselves.”
Burnham has also condemned the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime, calling it “completely unacceptable,” and has consistently voiced support for banning conversion therapy. Additionally, Burnham has expressed support for transgender people while also calling for what he describes as “respectful dialogue” around gender policy.
Following the UK Supreme Court’s ruling on the legal definition of sex earlier this year, he urged politicians to lower the temperature of the debate and stressed that trans people “deserve dignity and respect.” Those comments have drawn praise from some advocates while leaving others wanting more consistent commitments on trans rights.
LGBTQ+ publication Attitude described Burnham as having “one of the most consistently pro-LGBTQ+ records in politics.” And PinkNews highlighted his decades-long support for queer equality alongside ongoing questions about how his government will approach trans rights.
Community leaders are already urging action. Rachel Williams, CEO of LGBTQ+ youth charity The Proud Trust, welcomed Burnham’s appointment while calling on the new prime minister to ensure “equality has to be protected” as his government begins setting its legislative agenda.
For now, Burnham’s first weeks in office are focused on economic reform, but LGBTQ+ organizations are already watching closely to see whether his campaign rhetoric and past support of the community translates into policy on important topics like conversion therapy, trans protections and more.
