Andy Burnham issued stark warning as China 'spied on him for years'

An expert has warned Beijing "knows a lot" about the new PM, saying it is likely Chinese spies have been "tracking him for years". 16:24, Sat, Jul 25, 2026 Updated: 16:24, Sat, Jul 25, 2026 Andy Burnham became Prime Minister on Monday (Image: Getty)Andy Burnham has been warned China's web of top-secret spies have likely been tracking him for “years”. Intelligence analyst and cybersecurity expert Ryan McBeth said Beijing is also probably aware of those closest to the new Prime Minister.There have been long-standing concerns over the risk Chinese espionage poses to the UK. Anne Keast-Butler, head of the intelligence agency GCHQ, in May described China as a “science and tech superpower”, warning it has “sophisticated capabilities across their intelligence, cyber and military agencies”. Mr McBeth’s comments come amid reports Iran has been caught sending suspected covert operatives across the English Channel into the UK on small boats. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based o...