Andy Burnham officially becomes Britain’s new Prime Minister today, taking over from Sir Keir Starmer, reports BritPanorama.
How much will Andy Burnham earn as Prime Minister?
The Prime Minister’s pay comprises two components: an MP’s salary and an additional allowance for holding the chief role. On April 1, 2026, the basic MP salary increased from £93,904 to £98,599. This adjustment was enacted by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, which governs MPs’ pay.
Ministerial salaries, including that of the Prime Minister, are determined through a separate legal process. Under a statutory order effective from April 1, 2026, the Prime Minister’s additional entitlement rose to £83,837, up from £80,807.
When combined, Burnham is set to earn £182,436 annually as Prime Minister.
How does it compare with his salary as Mayor of Greater Manchester?
As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham was compensated with an annual salary of £118,267, a portion of which he donated to charity. Upon taking office in 2017, he pledged to contribute 15% of his earnings to a fund dedicated to tackling homelessness in Greater Manchester.
Following his victory in the Makerfield by-election this year, Burnham reiterated his commitment to donating 15% of his salary to worthy local causes, aimed at benefiting the community.
Notably, Burnham did not transition directly from the Manchester Mayor’s office to Downing Street. He was automatically disqualified as Mayor upon winning the by-election on June 18 and subsequently spent nearly a month as a backbench MP before becoming Prime Minister on July 20.
What other perks come with the job?
In addition to his salary, Burnham will utilize a rent-free flat at Downing Street along with Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country retreat in Buckinghamshire. While No. 10 serves as the official residence and meeting place for cabinet discussions, several recent Prime Ministers have opted to sleep in the adjacent No. 11, which offers a larger flat more suitable for families.
Although previous Prime Ministers have made the switch, Burnham does not plan to use Downing Street as his primary residence. Instead, he intends to continue living at his family home near Wigan and work from a proposed Manchester base colloquially referred to as ‘No. 10 North’.
Despite changes in residence, Larry, the well-known Downing Street cat and Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, will remain in his role.
The dynamics of Burnham’s leadership may reflect a broader shift in how modern Prime Ministers engage with their offices and communities, balancing national responsibilities with local commitments.
