Taxpayer set to fund 'media adviser' for Andy Burnham's wife as she 'takes on First Lady-style role'

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 06:41 EDT, 6 September 2026 | Updated: 06:52 EDT, 6 September 2026 The taxpayer is set to fund a personal aide for Andy Burnham's wife, it has been revealed.No10 is believed to be recruiting an official to deal with media and act as an assistant to Marie-France van Heel.The marketing executive - known as Frankie to friends - has joined Mr Burnham on many of his duties since he became PM. He has credited her with helping forge his political views. A No10 source said: 'It's standard practice for the spouses of PMs to have support to allow them to conduct official engagements.' The source suggested that previous husbands and wives of premiers had private secretaries to help with their role. Any salary is expected to come from existing budgets. However, when Boris Johnson's wife Carrie had a press officer that was paid for by the Conservative Party. Andy Burnham was accompanied by wife Marie-France as he greeted Emmanuel Macron in Downing Street last weekThe Burnhams met at university, and have three children. She is thought to be keen to use her new position to promote charitable causes.In the past spouses have taken radically different approaches, with some happy to have a public profile while others eschewed the limelight as much as possible.Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata gave a speech introducing him at the Tories' annual conference in 2023. A source told the Sun on Sunday: 'Spouses of Prime Ministers have made public appearances and championed causes in the past.'But this would be a new step. Frankie has always been instrumental behind the scenes. However, this shows that she is going to take a more formal role in future.'Hers will be more like you see in the US where the First Lady is an official role.'The source said: 'There is plenty Marie-France would like to do. 'She's passionate about charity work and has worked with Marie Curie, the Alzheimer's Society and Great Ormond Street Hospital on brand and marketing strategies - so more like that should be expected.'