Andy Burnham is expected to prioritise the passage of the Hillsborough Law should he become prime minister, aiming to introduce a legal “duty of candour” requiring public officials to act transparently and cooperate fully with investigations to prevent the concealment of wrongdoing.

The proposed legislation stems from years of campaigning by relatives of the 97 Liverpool supporters who lost their lives in the 1989 FA Cup semi-final crush at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield. Initially presented to Parliament by Burnham with cross-party support in March 2017, the bill’s advancement was stalled during the general election later that year. Labour subsequently made the bill a manifesto commitment, but progress was blocked this year amid controversy over whether intelligence agencies should be included under its provisions.

Earlier in 2026, the government withdrew the bill’s third reading following threats of a significant rebellion from Labour MPs. Disagreement centred on a government amendment seeking to bring intelligence services—such as MI5, MI6, and GCHQ—within the law’s scope, but only with the approval of security service heads. Critics argued this would enable agency leaders to withhold information by citing national security concerns or operational impediments.

Burnham, who was mayor of Greater Manchester during the latest parliamentary impasse, opposed the government’s amendment alongside other Labour rebels, describing it as “unacceptable.” He has expressed a firm commitment to delivering the legislation, telling families of Hillsborough victims that “we have got some unfinished business” and pledging, “We won’t rest until that bill becomes an act of Parliament.”

According to allies, the Hillsborough disaster has profoundly influenced Burnham’s political trajectory and dedication to the bill. Campaign group Hillsborough Law Now, represented by director Elkan Abrahamson, expressed hope that a Burnham-led government would confront the security services and resolve the legislative deadlock. Whistleblowing advocacy group Whistleblowers UK underscored this sentiment, with chief executive Georgina Halford-Hall stating that the Hillsborough Law could mark a positive new chapter for whistleblower protections if public interest prevails over security considerations.

The legislation seeks to ensure that public officials are legally bound to be truthful and transparent when involved in investigations, addressing concerns over past failures in accountability. As the issue remains a focal point in ongoing discussions about government transparency and intelligence oversight, Burnham’s anticipated leadership appears set to reignite efforts to enact the Hillsborough Law.