PM Andy Burnham cancels engagements after father's death

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has cancelled his engagements for September 14 and 15 following the death of his father, Roy Burnham. Downing Street confirmed the cancellations, which include a planned meeting with business leaders at No. 10 on Monday afternoon and a scheduled address to the Trade Union Congress in Brighton on Tuesday. Roy Burnham, a former telephone engineer, died after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was in his mid-80s and had been living in a care home in northern England for several years. The Prime Minister has spoken publicly about his father's illness, which meant Roy was unaware his son had become Prime Minister in July. In an interview with The Times before taking office, Andy Burnham said his father's condition was a source of sadness. "That's a sadness because he would be proud," Burnham said. "The way I look at it, it's his achievement as well. A whole family achievement although he doesn't know it." The Prime Minister has cited his father's experience as a key motivation for his aim to reform the social care system.