In the late 1980s, Stephen Harrington served as a pivotal influence in the life of Andy Burnham. As an English teacher at St Aelred’s Catholic High School in Merseyside, Harrington convinced the future Labour leadership candidate to apply to Cambridge University. At sixteen, Burnham was hesitant, doubting that a student from a working-class background belonged at such a prestigious institution. Harrington’s persistent encouragement proved instrumental in overcoming these doubts.
Harrington recalls his former student as a modest and diligent individual who rarely boasted about his athletic achievements, such as playing cricket for Lancashire Schoolboys. While Burnham initially leaned toward studying linguistics, his teacher steered him toward English literature by introducing him to the works of poet Tony Harrison. This exposure demonstrated to Burnham that literature was accessible and relevant to his own identity, ultimately prompting his application to Fitzwilliam College, where he later earned his degree.
Although Burnham encountered challenges and feelings of displacement during his time at university, he persevered and built a supportive network. The two have remained in touch throughout Burnham’s political career, with the politician expressing deep gratitude for his teacher’s mentorship. Burnham has also frequently credited other mentors, such as the late MP Paul Goggins, for shaping his political foundation and personal growth. Now widely expected to run for party leadership, Burnham is viewed by many in his hometown as a grounded figure capable of representing the North on a national stage.
