Andy Burnham returns to work after his father's death

The Prime Minister was speaking on his first day back at work following the death of his father, Roy Burnham, who had been living with Alzheimer's disease.

Mr Burnham said his family had been comforted by messages of support received since his dad's death was announced earlier this week.

Andy Burnham with his mum and dad (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Asked how he was coping, he told reporters: "We're doing OK, thank you.

"It is hard, and it will be hard for a little while. But better to get back to the job."

He added: "I also want to thank the leaders of the other parties, all of whom sent a message.

"It shows there is decency in British politics still, and that's what we need to see.

"So it's a thank you from us all, the whole family.

"But my dad would want me to be back out there... bringing some of the changes that he always pushed me to make."

Mr Burnham has previously spoken about the impact of his dad's dementia diagnosis and how it shaped his views on social care reform.

Roy Burnham, a former telephone engineer with the Post Office and later BT, helped raise the future PM and his two brothers in Culcheth alongside his wife, Eileen.

Writing in his 2024 book Head North, co-authored with Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, Mr Burnham described a happy upbringing in the village.

He wrote: "Our family home in Culcheth was always full of music, life, laughter, love and support."

Paying tribute on social media this week, Mr Burnham thanked those who had reached out to the family.

He said: "We are grateful to everyone who has shared a kind message about my dad.

"My family and I have been helped through this difficult time by people's warmth and compassion. It means a great deal to us and we wanted to say thank you."

Political figures from across the spectrum, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Green Party leader Zack Polanski, expressed their condolences.