Andy Burnham, the newly elected leader of the Labour Party, will pledge to restore confidence in government and provide 'breathing room' for people facing the cost-of-living crisis when he becomes prime minister on Monday.
First Speech from Downing Street
In his inaugural address from Downing Street, Burnham will outline his domestic priorities after formally taking over from Sir Keir Starmer. He visited the Palace to 'kiss hands' with the King, cementing his transition to the premiership. The new leader is expected to frame the moment as one of 'reflection and resolution,' urging Britain to be honest about its challenges and demonstrate its capacity to solve them.
Burnham will stress that the UK has had seven prime ministers over the past decade, underscoring the need for stable and responsible politics. He has already indicated he will scrap the previous administration's plans for a digital ID scheme, redirecting funds to address the cost of living.
Devolution and Cost of Living Focus
Allies of Burnham say he will argue that political stability must yield 'tangible' improvements, along with the 'breathing room' on living costs he has previously promised. Having assumed the Labour leadership without a contest—just a month after returning to Westminster—Burnham has yet to fully detail his agenda.
He has stated his intention to devolve power from Westminster, driving this with a new 'No 10 North' in Manchester, which he is expected to visit later in the week. Promising a 'reset of priorities,' Burnham will scrap Starmer's flagship digital ID program to focus money and attention on easing financial pressures.
Potential Policies and Challenges
In his first week, Burnham is expected to unveil measures aimed at making life easier for citizens. Reports suggest this could include action on energy bills, such as permitting more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Environmental campaigners have urged him to adhere to Labour's 2024 manifesto, which ruled out new North Sea drilling licenses, arguing they would not reduce bills.
Burnham may also face a decision on temporarily nationalising Thames Water, which struggles with £20 billion in debt. He has expressed support for greater public control of essential services. Thames Water's main creditors have indicated willingness to discuss a rescue deal with his ministers to avoid a 'special administration regime.'
Cabinet Appointments
Following his speech, Burnham will begin announcing cabinet choices. The race for chancellor is reportedly between Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. After becoming party leader on Friday, Burnham said he had not yet decided, despite anonymous briefings against both candidates. Party deputy leader Lucy Powell described the briefings as 'quite horrible' and 'unedifying.'
