British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's father has died / He suffered from Alzheimer's and had not learned that his son had become prime minister

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s father, Roy Burnham, died without learning about his son’s success, after he reached Downing Street. Roy Burnham lived in a care home. On the day his son entered Downing Street, medical staff took him in front of the television and explained what was happening, but he was unable to comprehend his son’s success.

“For me, it is an achievement that belongs to him in part. It is an achievement that belongs to the whole family,” the prime minister said.

In the book Head North, written together with Steve Rotheram, the mayor of Liverpool, he describes his parents as people who did not pursue university studies, but who could have continued their education if they had grown up in another era and another place.

According to his account, this awareness prompted them to be determined that all three children should continue their studies. The family relied on encouragement, trust and support, and their home was always filled with music, joy and affection.