Burnham declares almost £350,000 in donations in months before becoming PM

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declared nearly £350,000 in donations received in the months leading up to his election as Labour leader and subsequent appointment as PM, according to the latest register of MPs’ interests.

Major donors included billionaire David Sainsbury, who contributed over £160,000, covering staffing, policy work, and other campaign expenses. Former adviser Sacha Lord donated £35,000, while media executive Charlie Parsons provided £50,000 through a company he owns. Other significant contributors were businessman Gary Lubner, who gave £25,000, and Labour donor Shalni Arora, who donated £10,000. Trade unions, including Unison, the CWU, and the Fire Brigades Union, also contributed £20,000 collectively.

The register, the first to list Burnham’s financial interests as an MP since becoming prime minister, also details hospitality and travel worth over £12,000. This includes £1,500 for Glastonbury tickets in 2025, where he was a speaker, and £500 for Ladies Day at Aintree this year. Many of the trips were related to his previous role as Greater Manchester mayor.

Burnham has also established a company called Office of Andy Burnham, a common practice for former officeholders to manage post-government financial affairs. Additionally, he and his wife own a rental property in London.

Cabinet colleague Louise Haigh, now Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, declared £11,000 from Sainsbury for legal advice and £7,500 from law firm Bindmans for legal services. A spokesperson for Haigh stated the donations covered legal work related to media misrepresentation surrounding her 2024 fraud conviction over a missing phone. Haigh resigned as transport secretary in November 2024 but later returned to lead Burnham’s leadership campaign and join his cabinet.