Marie-France van Heel, wife of new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, chose an £850 ice blue "Edith" dress by Victoria Beckham for her husband's first day at Downing Street, prompting Daily Mail fashion writer Laura Craik to note the outfit's smart, safe styling and its choice of a British designer over an obvious "Labour red". The pick matters because a Prime Minister's spouse's wardrobe is heavily scrutinised, and some may see the steep price tag as awkward given Burnham's pledge to tackle homelessness and end rough sleeping in his first speech as PM.

Van Heel, a 56-year-old Dutch-born marketing executive married to Burnham for 25 years, opted for Victoria Beckham's designs over cheaper alternatives, a choice Craik contrasts with predecessor Victoria Starmer, who faced criticism in 2024 for wearing a £275 Me+Em dress and a £2,200 borrowed Edeline Lee outfit, before switching to more affordable high street brands such as Karen Millen. The article suggests van Heel's high-end choice could similarly draw criticism, though Craik expresses hope she continues wearing what she likes rather than bowing to public pressure.