Why ex-England midfielder was in attendance for Andy Burnham's first speech as Prime Minister

Andy Burnham delivered his first speech as the new UK Prime Minister on Monday morning - and was joined on Downing Street by a familiar face from the world of football.

Burnham took over as Leader of the Labour Party on Friday, and has now officially succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister after a meeting with King Charles.

The 56-year-old was the inaugural Mayor of Greater Manchester between 2017 and June of this year.

He stepped down after winning a by-election to become the MP for Makerfield, a constituency which is around 15 miles from his birthplace of Aintree.

Burnham's family, friends and political allies were in attendance to watch his first speech outside the steps to 10 Downing Street - including Everton icon Peter Reid.

The 70-year-old, who picked up 13 caps for England between 1985 and 1988 and played in the 1986 World Cup, took some on social media by surprise when he was spotted among the crowd.

Burnham went on to embrace Reid after his speech had concluded.

Image: Twitter/X

Earlier this month, he recorded and sent a video message to Reid as he celebrated his 70th birthday.

The new Prime Minister is an Everton fan and, like Arsenal supporter Starmer before him, holds a season ticket to watch Premier League matches at his home stadium.

Starmer said he was given security advice to not sit in the stands at the Emirates Stadium after becoming Prime Minister, or else he would have to sanction the spending of significant amounts of money on security arrangements.

Peter Reid explains surprise Downing Street visit

Reid said that Burnham had told him that he planned to stay in his existing seat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after taking the top job, but the former Everton midfielder told him 'no chance' in response.

"I just said, 'Congratulations, and get in there, lad'," Reid told Sky News of his meeting with Burnham on Downing Street. "It's a Scouse thing. To the PM as well - I must have forgotten for a minute.

"He's been a pal of mine for a long time. So it was good seeing him, and good seeing his family there as well. He's got a job on."