The resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has opened a race for the leadership of the Labour Party that could bring Andy Burnham, current mayor of Greater Manchester, to power. His possible arrival at 10 Downing Street is particularly striking due to a circumstance he himself has highlighted on numerous occasions: his deep Catholic roots. However, those references to the faith of his childhood coexist with political positions openly contrary to Church teaching on fundamental issues such as abortion, «homosexual marriage,» or sexual morality.
Burnham, 56, is considered one of the favorites to replace Starmer at the head of the Labour Party. In the British parliamentary system, the leader of the governing party automatically becomes prime minister, so a victory in the internal election could place him at the head of the UK Government for the coming years.
A politician shaped by English «working-class Catholicism»
Unlike other British leaders, Burnham has never hidden the influence that Catholicism had on his personal formation. Born in northern England, in a region marked by Irish immigration and a strong presence of Catholic communities, he served as an altar boy during his childhood, studied the Catechism, and received an education deeply linked to the Church.
He himself has explained that three institutions decisively shaped his life: the Catholic Church, Everton Football Club, and the Labour Party.
For years he has fondly recalled the atmosphere of the Catholic parishes where he grew up and has stated that much of his social sensitivity comes from the Church’s social doctrine. Even today, although he hardly practices the faith, he continues to send his children to Catholic schools because he considers the moral formation they offer valuable.
From practicing Catholicism to «cultural Catholicism»
Despite acknowledging the influence of Catholicism in his life, Burnham has been distanced for decades from religious practice and from much of the Church’s moral teachings.
In various interviews he has explained that he began to drift away gradually because he felt the Church had become too demanding on issues related to sexuality and family morality.
The politician himself has gone so far as to say that the pontificates after his youth became «more obsessed with sexuality» and more severe in their moral positions, an evolution with which he claims not to identify.
Defender of abortion and same-sex marriage
The differences between Burnham and Church teaching are especially evident on issues related to life and family.
The Labour leader has repeatedly shown himself in favor of abortion and has criticized those who seek to strengthen legal protection for the unborn.
He was also one of the first prominent Labour Party figures to call for the legalization of so-called «marriage» between people of the same sex in the United Kingdom, legislation that was finally passed in 2013.
In addition, he has consistently supported the demands of the LGBT movement and has publicly expressed his desire for the Church to change its teaching on homosexuality and sexual relations.
A declared admirer of the pontificate of Francis
Burnham was also a firm supporter of Francis. After meeting him at the Vatican in 2023, he repeatedly praised his pastoral style and expressed hope that the Church would move toward positions more favorable to LGBT demands.
When the death of the Argentine Pontiff occurred, the British politician publicly expressed his sorrow and voiced his hope that the cardinals would choose a successor who would continue the same line.
His admiration for Francis fits within a vision of the Church focused primarily on social issues such as economic inequality, poverty, or inclusion, while maintaining deep disagreements with Catholic teaching on matters of faith and morals.