Marie-France van Heel, wife of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has stepped down from her role as chief customer officer at Be.EV, a Manchester-based electric vehicle charging company, to dedicate herself full-time to supporting the Prime Minister in her capacity as “First Lady.”

Van Heel, commonly known as Frankie, joined Be.EV earlier this year and will retain an advisory position on the company’s board. A spokesperson for Downing Street confirmed her decision to leave the executive role, emphasizing her intention to focus on public duties linked to her husband’s premiership.

Earlier this week, van Heel accompanied Burnham to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where she participated in meetings with counterparts, including Olena Zelenska, the wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Diana Carney, spouse of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. These interactions highlight her emerging role in diplomatic circles, particularly as the United Kingdom prepares to assume the G20 presidency next year, during which she is expected to engage with other political spouses and advance related initiatives.

Van Heel, 56, intends to leverage her experience and network in support of charitable and diplomatic activities concurrent with the Prime Minister’s agenda. Her transition marks a notable shift from her private-sector career to a more visible public profile aligned with the responsibilities traditionally associated with the role of a prime minister’s spouse.