Few, if any, modern British politicians have cultivated as visible a relationship with music as Andy Burnham. On Monday (July 20), the former mayor of Greater Manchester assumed the role of prime minister of the U.K. following the resignation of Keir Starmer, and his longstanding affinity for these isles’ rich musical heritage — and the wider industry that underpins it — has taken on renewed significance.
Burnham’s appointment in the role has given the U.K. music industry belief that the sector can remain central to the U.K.’s policy agenda. “We hope he backs our music-makers on a wide range of issues, from streaming and ticketing reform to protecting their rights in AI licensing deals,” says Annabella Coldrick, chief executive of the Music Managers Forum.
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Coldrick says that Burnham’s previous stint as culture secretary is a “huge positive” in the eyes of the MMF and its members. She believes the tenure would have given him “a strong understanding of how the U.K. music industry operates, including the critical role of managers, and the importance of ensuring artists, songwriters, musicians and producers can make a viable living from their craft.”
Burnham began his political career in 2001 as a Labour MP for Leigh, located near Wigan, and he went on to assume the role of chief secretary to the Treasury. In 2008, he was appointed the role of culture secretary, then he was promoted to health secretary. In 2017, he was elected mayor of Greater Manchester, a role he held for nine years.
