Who is Andy Burnham? Potential future UK PM's stance on Israel, antisemitism - explainer

Labour MP Andy Burnham has emerged as a leading candidate for the UK's next Prime Minister, announcing his bid to replace resigned leader Keir Starmer. Burnham, who recently concluded his term as Mayor of Greater Manchester, is now focusing attention on his positions regarding Israel, Gaza, and antisemitism.

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Racism needs to be dealt with firmly, quickly and decisively. I’m afraid that this hasn’t been the response so far and I hope from this point forward this has been understood.

Burnham has a documented record of confronting antisemitism, particularly within the Labour Party. In 2018, he publicly called for a stronger stance against antisemitism. During Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, Burnham expressed his dismay that a party historically committed to fighting racism had become embroiled in an antisemitism crisis, urging for firm, quick, and decisive action.

His engagement with the issue intensified following an antisemitic terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur in 2025, which resulted in two deaths and several injuries. Burnham was among the first officials to respond, condemning the "vile attack on our Jewish community on its holiest day" and pledging support for the community. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has described Burnham as a "great ally" to the Jewish community, emphasizing his belief in justice and the need for a safe homeland for Jewish people, acknowledging the historical reasons for Israel's existence.

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We stand with GM’s Jewish community at this time and will work through the day to support them.

Furthermore, Burnham has actively participated in Holocaust remembrance and education initiatives. In January 2026, he attended a Holocaust Memorial Day service, reaffirming his commitment to opposing anti-Jewish racism. Mark Adlestone, chair of the Jewish Representative Council of GM & Region, has praised Burnham for his dedication.

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He believes in justice, so is acutely aware of the need for a safe homeland for Jewish people, and the particularly unique historical reasons why Israel came into existence.