What could Burnham as PM mean for sport?

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Andy Burnham is an Everton season ticket holder and backs supporters' rights By Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent Published 29 minutes ago Andy Burnham is only into his second day as the UK's Prime Minister , but already people are wondering what this could mean for sport. Consistency appears guaranteed, because Lisa Nandy will stay as the secretary of state for the department of culture, media and sport (DCMS). The pair already have a close working relationship. Nandy is the MP for Wigan which sits within the area of the Greater Manchester mayor, a post which Burnham had held for the past nine years. Everton season-ticket holder Burnham is an avid sports fan and has backed several initiatives throughout his political career. After being elected as the new MP for Makerfield last month, he gave his speech outside Edge Green Street - home to Ashton Town of the North West Counties League. The 56-year-old held Nandy's position at the DCMS for 18 months from January 2008. From the Olympics, to infrastructure to how sports are governing, BBC Sport looks at what his premiership could bring. The Olympics of the north? And the World Cup? The UK last hosted the Olympics in 2012, and London mayor Sadiq Khan is eyeing up another bid for the 2040 event. But in his role as Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham has already backed an Olympic Games for the north. In February, Burnham said , external it would be a "defining moment for the north" and "a powerful opportunity to unlock future growth". A northern Olympics bid would fit Burnham's vision of taking some of the attention away from the capital. The 2035 Women's World Cup will be hosted by England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Burnham has backed the regeneration of Old Trafford with a new ground for Manchester United. Plans are set to be signed off by Trafford Council on 21 July , with the intention the 100,000 venue would be ready for the Women's World Cup. Might a men's World Cup bid get government backing now too? Burnham has also supported shifting FA Cup semi-finals away from Wembley, having been exclusively hosted at the stadium since 2008. Support for the independent football regulator? Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Andy Burnham gave a nod to his love of sport by giving his parliamentary victory speech outside Edge Green Street, the home ground of Ashton Town Burnham has not shied away from clashing with the Premier League and football's authorities. In 2023, he wrote to Premier League insisting that Everton's 10-point penalty for breaching profit and sustainability rules should be declared "null and void". There should be no concerns about the future of the independent football regulator, set up by Nandy and whose powers are just starting to kick in. In 2020, Burnham was the co-author of a manifesto for change called 'Saving Our Beautiful Game'. It laid out a number of recommendations, including "an effective and independent body to