KING of the North Andy Burnham has marched back into Westminster with a Makerfield by-election victory that sent shockwaves straight to Downing Street.

Burnham , potentially leaving Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership on life support.

Andy Burnham smiling while leaving BBC Breakfast Studios in Manchester.Andy Burnham looks set to challenge Sir Keir Starmer Credit: Splash Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, speaking at the launch of Class Ceiling at The Whitworth in Manchester.Burnham’s bid to return to Westminster has proven successful Credit: PA

The newly crowned MP is expected to leverage his by-election momentum to unite backbench allies and launch a bold bid for the Labour crown.

But as the triumphant MP prepares to take his seat in , he isn’t doing it alone, and standing firmly beside him is his ultimate secret weapon.

Meet Marie-France van Heel, the loyal wife who has been Andy’s absolute rock since the couple tied the knot back in 2000.

Who is Andy Burnham’s wife Marie-France van Heel?

-born Marie-France van Heel, known as Frankie, is a 56-year-old marketing executive.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer talking with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.Burnham neeeds to become an MP to challenge Starmer’s leadership Credit: Getty Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham speaking at the Night Time Economy Summit.His run for Parliament meant stepping down as Manchester mayor Credit: Reuters

She previously worked for BSkyB and her own firm MVH Marketing was dissolved in 2011 after three years in operation.

Frankie then went on to become CEO of the London-based firm Heavenly, which has designed logos for clients such as HSBC, England Rugby and the BBC.

Currently, she sits on the board for Manchester-based public electric vehicle charging network Be.EV, and is also the Chief Marketing and Customer Officer of Octopus Energy Generation.

The couple met while they were studying at Fitzwilliam College at Cambridge University before marrying in 2000.

Andy Burnham with his wife, Marie-France van Heel, at the Labour Party leadership ballot result.Marie-France van Heel is a 56-year-old marketing executive Credit: AFP Andy Burnham, Britain's Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, and his wife, Marie France, at the unveiling of the Queen Mother's statue.Andy Burnham and Marie-France van Heel married in 2000 and have three children Credit: PA:Press Association

Since then, Burnham and his wife have had three children together – son Jimmy, who was born in March 2000, and daughters Rosie and Annie, who were born years later.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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