Andy Burnham becomes UK Prime Minister: what his record means for LGBTQ+ rights

Andy Burnham’s arrival in Downing Street as the UK’s 59th Prime Minister places a long and consistent record on LGBTQ+ equality at the centre of national politics.

Burnham, a former Health Secretary and Mayor of Greater Manchester, re-entered Parliament through the Makerfield by-election shortly before Keir Starmer’s resignation. His elevation to Labour leader and Prime Minister follows decades of engagement with LGBTQ+ issues that began long before his ministerial career.

Early activism and parliamentary votes

Burnham’s involvement in LGBTQ+ rights dates back to his student days. In 1988 he joined protests against Section 28, the legislation that prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality by local authorities and in schools. That early act of solidarity prefigured his later voting record.

From 2003 onwards, Burnham voted almost entirely in favour of pro-LGBTQ+ legislation. His record includes supporting the repeal of Section 28, backing the Civil Partnership Act in 2004, and voting for protections against discrimination in the provision of goods and services in 2007. He supported extending IVF access to lesbian couples in 2008 and voted in favour of equal marriage in 2013.

During the 2015 Labour leadership contest he took his advocacy beyond Westminster. Burnham publicly urged Pope Francis to support same-sex marriage and called for the Catholic Church to move “into the 21st century”, acknowledging that his stance had caused friction within his own family.

That same year he backed a review of blood donation rules affecting gay and bisexual men. He stated that eligibility should depend on whether someone is engaged in a risky lifestyle, without regard to sexuality, aligning himself with evidence-based policy on public health and equality.

Mayor of Greater Manchester: policy and symbolism

Burnham’s tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester gave him direct executive influence over regional equality initiatives. In 2018 he appointed Carl Austin-Behan, who had been discharged from the RAF for being gay, as the city’s LGBTQ+ adviser. The appointment carried both symbolic and practical weight, signalling a commitment to embedding LGBTQ+ perspectives into decision-making.

That year he also launched the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel. The panel was tasked with advising on the lived experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ residents across areas such as health, community safety and employment, and created a formal mechanism for dialogue between local government and queer communities.

His mayoralty also saw him support the reform of the Gender Recognition Act in 2019, advocating a simpler, more dignified process for trans people seeking legal recognition of their gender. In 2022 he endorsed a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy for all LGBTQ+ people, aligning with campaigners who view partial bans as leaving trans and non-binary people at risk.

In 2023 Burnham issued a formal apology on behalf of Greater Manchester authorities for the “shameful” historical treatment of LGBTQ+ people by Greater Manchester Police. The apology responded to community pressure for acknowledgement of past injustices and was received as an important step in rebuilding trust.

Approach to trans rights and single-sex spaces

Burnham has also been vocal on trans rights, an area of growing political contention. In 2022 he defended the right of trans women to use women’s toilets, responding directly to public debate and criticism from gender-critical campaigners. His stance aligned with many LGBTQ+ organisations that view access to appropriate facilities as a basic matter of dignity and safety.

His engagement has included dialogue with groups that hold conflicting positions. In 2020 he met with the LGB Alliance to discuss Gender Recognition Act reform. The organisation is heavily criticised by much of the LGBTQ+ sector for its approach to trans issues, and the meeting prompted concern among some activists. A subsequent statement from his office emphasised that Burnham’s support for the trans community remained clear and consistent over the years, while acknowledging the sensitivity of the debate.

Following the 2025 Supreme Court ruling that interpreted “sex” in equality law as “biological sex” only, Burnham commented on the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s guidance. He urged that any implementation proceed in “the fairest and most compassionate way possible”. He stated that single-sex spaces require protection alongside an approach that avoids marginalising communities that already face significant discrimination.

From the steps of Downing Street to future policy

Burnham delivered his first address as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street on 20 July. He framed his premiership as a “circuit-breaker” for the country, promising a new political and economic model, a response to the cost of living crisis and a national effort to end rough sleeping.

The speech focused on economic stability, social cohesion and rebuilding trust in politics. It did not directly reference LGBTQ+ rights or the immediate challenges facing trans people, which remain a central concern for many activists and community groups. Attention now turns to the legislative programme and policy detail that Burnham will set out in the coming months, including whether his long-standing record will translate into concrete national commitments on issues such as conversion therapy, trans healthcare and equality law.

Expectations from LGBTQ+ communities

LGBTQ+ organisations and allies are now assessing how Burnham’s historical positions will shape his administration. His voting record, mayoral initiatives and public statements point to a leader who consistently aligned with legal equality, inclusive public services and respectful debate on complex issues.

As this new chapter of UK politics begins, many LGBTQ+ professionals and allies are seeking spaces where they can engage with inclusive employers, build supportive networks and stay informed about workplace equality. myGwork provide one such opportunity, and readers who wish to connect with like-minded professionals and inclusive organisations can do so by signing up here.

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