Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cancelled official engagements following the death of his father, Roy Burnham, on Monday, 14 September 2026. Roy was 85. The news prompted condolences from across the political spectrum and international community.
Opposition leaders Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch were among the first to express sympathy. 'Very sorry to hear that Andy Burnham's father, Roy, has died. My sincere condolences to him and all the family,' said Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on social media. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also said: 'My condolences to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and all his family. No matter how old you are, or how much you try to prepare, losing your father is a profoundly painful experience.
Very sorry to hear that Andy Burnham's father, Roy, has died. My sincere condolences to him and all the family.
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) September 14, 2026
My condolences to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and all his family. No matter how old you are, or how much you try to prepare, losing your father is a profoundly painful experience. A part of your life that has always been there is suddenly gone forever and it can feel as though a…
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) September 14, 2026
Who Was Roy Burnham?
PM Burnham cancelled all his Downing Street appointments on Monday and Tuesday to mourn his father, who had been suffering from Alzheimer's for a long time. Burnham had been scheduled to host business leaders at Number 10 on Monday and deliver a speech at the Trades Union Congress on Tuesday.
🚨 BREAKING: Andy Burnham's father Roy has died after suffering with dementia
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) September 14, 2026
He has cancelled all engagements for today and tomorrow pic.twitter.com/VdeipDhjCp
Roy was a former telephone engineer. He did not go to university but was determined that his three sons, with his wife Eileen, would all have the opportunity to do so. His health started to decline during the pandemic. The family believes that the intensive treatment he received for prostate cancer may have brought on his dementia. He had been living in a facility full-time.
Roy's Alzheimer's was advanced by the time Andy Burnham became Prime Minister on 20 July 2026, meaning he was unaware of his son's appointment.
Dementia in the UK
'The loss of a parent leaves an immeasurable gap in our lives,' Alzheimer's Society said on its official Facebook page, also sending condolences to the Burnham family. 'While every family's experience is unique, many of us understand the long and often challenging journey that Alzheimer's disease can bring, not only for the person living with the condition but for those who love them.'
'The Prime Minister has been a longstanding advocate for improving the lives of people affected by dementia, often drawing on his father's experiences,' the organisation also said. During his campaign, Burnham said a reform of adult social care would be one of his priorities to help his father and 'millions like him.'
According to the organisation, around 982,000 people were living with dementia in the UK in 2024. The number is expected to reach 1.4 million by 2040.
Messages of Sympathy Worldwide
Condolences extended beyond Britain. 'On behalf of all of us at the U.S. Mission to the UK, my deepest condolences to Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the passing of his father, Roy. Wishing him and his family strength and comfort at this difficult time,' said US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens.
Japanese Ambassador to the UK Hiroshi Suzuki tweeted: 'My heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his family. I know from my own experience that Alzheimer's is a cruel disease, and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this most difficult time.'
On behalf of all of us at the U.S. Mission to the UK, my deepest condolences to Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the passing of his father, Roy. Wishing him and his family strength and comfort at this difficult time.
— Ambassador Warren Stephens (@USAmbUK) September 14, 2026
My heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his family. I know from my own experience that Alzheimer is a cruel disease, and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this most difficult time. https://t.co/TSj77nTtgc
— Hiroshi Suzuki (@AmbJapanUK) September 14, 2026
My heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the passing of his father. Our thoughts are with Prime Minister @andyburnham and his family at this difficult time as they bear this irreparable loss.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 14, 2026
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Roy Burnham.
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) September 14, 2026
My condolences are with the Prime Minister and his family for their loss.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also offered condolences: 'Our thoughts are with Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his family at this difficult time as they bear this irreparable loss.'
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said: 'I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Roy Burnham. My condolences are with the Prime Minister and his family for their loss.' The Embassy of Spain UK and several MPs also shared messages of sympathy.
