Newly elected Labour Party leader Andy Burnham made a nod to his beloved football club, Everton, during his first speech as leader on July 17, 2026. The former Greater Manchester mayor and Makerfield MP expressed hope that he would still be in his season ticket seat when the new football season starts.
Andy Burnham's Everton Connection
Despite serving as Greater Manchester mayor for nearly a decade, Burnham is an avid Everton fan and has never hidden his passion for the Liverpool-based club. He is a proud season ticket holder at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Born in Liverpool, Burnham's allegiance to the Toffees is well-documented.
In a notorious photograph taken after he announced his intention to stand in the Makerfield by-election, Burnham was seen jogging in a vintage Everton shirt from the 1979/80 season. The Umbro-branded shirt, sponsored by Danish tinned meat producers Hafnia, was worn by Everton greats such as Graeme Sharp, Kevin Ratcliffe, and Bob Latchford. According to the True Colours football kit history site, it was the first sponsored shirt to be worn in English football.
Value of the Vintage Shirt
A long-sleeved Everton shirt from the same season, listed in 7/10 'good' condition, is currently on sale on the Classic 11 vintage football shirts site for £299.95. However, Gary Bierton, from Northern Quarter-based shop Classic Football Shirts, suggested that Burnham's shirt is likely a reissue. Given the booming market for classic football shirts, Bierton estimated that an original would be worth £350-500 'minimum'. 'You never see them,' he added. 'Especially with the sponsor.'
Lifelong Fan and Personal History
Burnham has been a lifelong Everton supporter. He recalls watching his beloved team take on Norwich in the 1989 FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park in Birmingham, which occurred on the same day as the Hillsborough disaster. In his book, he describes the anxious wait he, his father, and brothers Nick and John endured to learn if their friends were still alive after hearing that Liverpool fans had been killed in a crush at the stadium in Sheffield. Five years earlier, in 1984, Burnham ran onto the pitch at Highbury during the FA Cup semi-final. He remains an Everton season ticket holder to this day.
Future as Prime Minister
Burnham is set to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Monday, July 20, following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. In his first speech as Labour leader, he vowed to give people 'hope back' and restore 'the Labour they once knew'. He is expected to detail his cabinet appointments and key policies next week.
