United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s father, Roy Burnham, is dead.

Mr Burnham’s father died at the age of 86 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

The development came months after Mr Burnham said his father’s condition meant he was unaware that his son was about to become the UK prime minister.

Mr Burnham, who had talked about wanting to improve social care, given his experiences with his father, commended the skill, care and professionalism of care workers in the UK.

His father’s death had forced him to cancel his engagements for Monday and Tuesday, particularly the TUC conference in Brighton on Tuesday (tomorrow).

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, extended condolences to Mr Burnham and his family.

“No matter how old you are, or how much you try to prepare, losing your father is a profoundly painful experience,” Ms Badenoch said. “A part of your life that has always been there is suddenly gone forever and it can feel as though a part of you won’t ever be the same again.”

Mr Burnham, in the book Head North, which he co-wrote with Steve Rotheram, appreciated his parents for the role they played in his life.