Andy Burnham’s Global Travels Spark Debate
Andy Burnham, the Labour leader of Greater Manchester, has made more international trips than any other metropolitan mayor in the UK. Over the course of two years, he embarked on nine overseas journeys, including three visits to the United States and trips to Ireland, Japan, and Singapore. His frequent travel has drawn attention, particularly after he was upgraded to upper class on one of his transatlantic flights, which some critics argue undermines his “man of the people” image.
The total cost of his travels between 2024 and 2025 amounted to £52,942, according to figures obtained by the Daily Mail. However, not all of this cost came from taxpayers, as some expenses were covered by his hosts. Despite this, the high frequency of his trips has raised questions about their necessity and value.
Burnham was recently abroad at a mayoral summit in Madrid before it was revealed that he plans to return to Westminster to challenge Sir Keir, who has made 39 foreign trips since the election, costing taxpayers £4.2 million. The Prime Minister has been nicknamed “Never Here Keir” due to his extensive time away from the country.
A Label of ‘Air Miles Andy’
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was the first to be dubbed “Air Miles Andy” for his frequent use of private jets and helicopters on taxpayer-funded trips. This label has now been applied to Burnham, with critics suggesting that his globetrotting is more about collecting flight points than addressing local issues.
Kevin Hollinrake, chairman of the Conservative Party, commented: “It seems the King of the North is so proud of Greater Manchester that he needs no excuse to leave it. While families tighten their belts, Andy Burnham has been fastening his in business class.”
William Yarwood, campaigns director at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, added: “To ordinary taxpayers, these foreign trips look far more like political tourism than essential public business. After years of criticism over Never Here Keir, the last thing taxpayers need is an Air Miles Andy more focused on collecting flight points than fixing problems back home. Mr Burnham should justify these trips and prove they are delivering tangible benefits for local taxpayers.”
GMCA Defends International Travel
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), of which Burnham is the leader, defended the city region’s approach: “Greater Manchester is an ambitious and outward-looking city region, and we are proud to have been the UK’s leading economic growth story over the past decade. Our trade delegations are putting our businesses on the map, showcasing British companies in a way that can’t be replicated in a virtual meeting.”
This stance highlights the argument that international travel is essential for promoting economic opportunities and strengthening global connections.
Other Mayors’ Travel Records
Burnham is not the only mayor with a notable travel record. Liverpool’s metro mayor, Steve Rotheram, a close ally of Burnham, came in second with seven foreign trips over two years, costing taxpayers £8,861. These included an 11-day visit to Mexico City, Boston, and New York in October 2024, which cost £3,120. His office declined to comment on the matter.
Third on the list is Labour’s London mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, who made five trips over two years. His most expensive journey was a six-day trip to Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa last July, costing £83,921.
These figures have sparked ongoing debates about the balance between international engagement and local responsibilities, with critics questioning whether such extensive travel is justified for the public good.
