Marie-France van Heel, the Dutch-born wife of Andy Burnham, is a high-flying marketing executive who has largely stayed in the background during his political career.
Indeed, her response when he told her his plans to seek a return to Westminster after nine largely successful years as Mayor of Greater Manchester was not entirely supportive.
Her initial reaction was ‘probably a two-word answer… probably half-joking’, Mr Burnham revealed last month, adding that there was ‘some encouragement needed’.
But the 56-year-old was by his side at the Makerfield count in the early hours of yesterday followed by his victory rally at Ashton Town football club
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