Credit Union Sector Looks Ahead Following Appointment of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister

23/07/2026

All Together Money welcomes the appointment of one of the credit union movement’s longest-standing political champions to Number 10.

Throughout his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham has consistently recognised the important role credit unions can play in tackling financial exclusion, providing responsible and affordable lending and strengthening communities.

His relationship with the credit union movement stretches back many years, including addressing All Together Money members at its Annual Conference on two occasions, most recently in 2024.

Speaking at the 2024 Annual Conference, Burnham praised credit unions as “a positive, safe solution to short-term credit pressures” and highlighted that responsible lending is “in our DNA”.

He has also previously spoken about the ability of credit unions to “change lives” and the important role the sector can play in ensuring people on lower incomes can access opportunities and financial benefits that might otherwise be out of reach.

During his time leading Greater Manchester, Burnham worked closely with the region’s credit union sector, including supporting SoundPound, the consortium of credit unions working across Greater Manchester to increase access to fair, responsible and affordable financial services.

This has included championing practical initiatives linking credit unions with wider priorities across the city region. Burnham previously outlined plans to work with SoundPound to help residents access the benefits of annual public transport passes through affordable finance, while encouraging people to build longer-term saving habits.

His wider economic agenda in Greater Manchester has also placed a strong emphasis on co-operation, inclusive growth and community wealth building, with Burnham consistently advocating an economy in which more people and communities are able to benefit from economic growth.

All Together Money Chief Executive, Matt Bland, said the appointment comes at an important moment for the credit union movement, following growing political recognition of the sector and its potential to support greater financial resilience across the UK.

Matt said: “On behalf of All Together Money and our members, I would like to congratulate Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister.

“Andy has been a long-standing champion of credit unions and understands first-hand the difference our movement can make to people, families and communities. We have been pleased to welcome him to our Annual Conference on two occasions, and his work with credit unions and SoundPound in Greater Manchester has demonstrated what can be achieved when political ambition is matched with meaningful collaboration on the ground.

“As Andy begins his time in Number 10, we are optimistic about what the future holds for our movement. Credit unions have secured unprecedented political recognition in recent years and have continued to demonstrate the central role they can play in improving financial resilience, widening access to affordable and responsible financial services and supporting communities across the country.

“We now have a significant opportunity to build on that momentum. Whether through financial inclusion, workplace savings, affordable credit, housing, transport or supporting the transition to a greener economy, there are many areas where credit unions can be part of the solution to some of the challenges facing households today.

“This is the moment for our movement to be ambitious. We must continue making the case for credit unions, demonstrate the enormous impact they already have and work together to grasp the opportunities ahead.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Prime Minister and his Government and ensuring credit unions remain at the forefront of the national conversation around financial inclusion, resilience and inclusive economic growth.”