Andy Burnham's wife Marie-France wears sleek £69 Karen Millen dress amid career resignation


UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been lighting up Liverpool with his latest public appearance, with his stylish wife Marie by his side


Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his wife Marie-France van Heel board a plane for the United States, to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

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Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
38 minutes ago

Continuing his action-packed visit to Liverpool, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his always stylish wife, Marie-France Van Heel, stepped out at the Labour Party Conference on Tuesday. 

Marie dressed for the occasion, showing support for the great British high street once again, donning an expensive-looking dress which came from Karen Millen. Originally priced at £229, the tailored number went down to £69 in the brand's seasonal sale. 

Prime Minister Andy Burnham with his wife Marie France Van Heel after delivering his keynote speech to the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday September 29, 2026. © PA Images via Getty Images
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's wife Marie France Van Heel looked stunning in her Karen Millen dress

Crafted from denim, it featured a structured wrap-style bodice that gave the impression of a fitted waistcoat, creating a sophisticated two-piece illusion. The asymmetric peplum hem gave the look a modern kick, and the shawl-inspired lapel collar hinted at a corporate vibe. 

Marie-France wore this chic high street dress
Marie-France wore this chic high street dress

The former marketing executive added Mary Jane high heels and styled her striking blonde mane ultra-straight. 

This is the second time in under a week that Marie has chosen high-street threads. At the weekend, the 56-year-old sported a simple, crisp-white shirt with a burgundy-toned, faux-leather pencil skirt which had a wrap-fronted waist detail, from high street store Next, costing just £46.

Marie-France Van Heel looked fabulous in burgundy© PA Images via Getty Images
Marie-France donned this chic faux leather skirt from Next at the weekend

Interestingly, she paired it with the famous 'Return to Tiffany' heart tag necklace, a sterling silver piece from the 2000s which was beloved by Millennials everywhere. Reese Witherspoon's character, Elle Woods, in Legally Blonde, catapulted this necklace into iconic territory when she wore it throughout the film.

Marie-France Van Heel was spotted wearing the iconic Tiffany necklace© PA Images via Getty Images
Marie-France donned a Tiffany necklace

With the Y2K revival that's exploded onto the fashion scene in recent years, you can now pick up the original necklace on resale sites, or head to Tiffany, where a brand-new version is available. 

Marie steps down from her marketing role 

Marie's stylish week in wardrobe comes as the politician's wife has stepped down from her marketing executive role to support her husband during his term as prime minister.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Marie-France van Heel welcome French President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron at 10 Downing Street in London, on September 3, 2026. © NurPhoto via Getty Images
Marie-France has stepped down from her marketing role

Marie was the chief customer officer at the electric vehicle charging network company Be.EV. Last week, a Downing Street spokesperson said she had stepped away from the role. The spokesperson for No. 10 said: "Marie-France Van Heel has taken the decision to step down from her position as chief customer officer at Be.EV. She will continue to serve on the company’s board in an advisory role. The Prime Minister has already recused himself from any decisions relating to EV charging."

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