Liverpool-born culture minister can wait to get going

Jan 26 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL-born Andy Burnham told last night of his delight at becoming Culture Secretary – in the year his home city is the Capital of Culture.

The 38-year-old Everton fanatic was catapulted into his “dream job” as part of the Cabinet reshuffle triggered by the resignation of Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain.

Mr Burnham, who was born in Liverpool but moved to Newton-le-Willows as a youngster, said: “It is just about the happiest moment of my life.”

Now he will show his commitment to the job by going to Anfield for today’s FA Cup clash – as a guest of Liverpool Football Club for the first time.

The father-of-one said: “For me to be Culture Secretary, in the year the city in which I was born is the Capital of Culture, is not only a coincidence, it’s a fantastic opportunity.

“I’m very proud and very privileged to be playing a part in the celebrations.

“I want what Phil Redmond wants – for it to help stimulate the regeneration of Liverpool for the future.”

Mr Burnham, long tipped as a high-flyer, was already in the Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, but the switch marks a significant promotion.

He boasts unbeatable preparation for the Culture, Media and Sport brief, as a former adviser to Chris Smith when he performed the role.

However, Mr Burnham is probably the first Sports Secretary to have invaded a football pitch – in delight, when Everton dramatically won the 1984 FA Cup semi-final at Highbury.

Unlike 80 of his fellow Blues’ supporters, the then 14-year-old left the turf without the assistance of the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Burnham added, hastily: “I am also an English graduate, so I do have a cultural side, although that might not often be on view.”

The lifelong Labour loyalist attended St Aelred’s RC High School and his parents still live locally. He recently made Westminster journalists laugh by revealing his mother’s anger when she found out about his youthful cannabis-taking as she watched the TV news.

And he described high-profile Everton fans as a “secret brotherhood”, adding: “We are not known for our handshakes – just for our foul moods on Saturday evenings.”