Andy Burnham has pledged to lead a united Labour government free of factional politics, as he was confirmed as the party's leader at a special conference in London. The incoming prime minister promised a distinctly leftwing agenda, including reversing Thatcherism, expanding public ownership, fixing social care, and building new council homes, while also insisting he would be pro-business.
Burnham described his election as the most significant change in British politics for 40 years and said this was Labour's "last chance" to get things right. He called for unity to defeat the "new right" and stressed that his government would be "distinctively Labour," not copying the Tories, Greens, or Reform UK.
However, tensions have emerged over his choice of chancellor, with Shabana Mahmood, a Blue Labour figure, emerging as the frontrunner ahead of left-wing favourite Ed Miliband. Several trade unions welcomed Burnham's leadership but urged him to deliver change, while some MPs expressed unease about Mahmood's role in enforcing hardline immigration policies under Keir Starmer.
Burnham defended delaying cabinet announcements, saying it would be chaotic to decide before entering No 10. Other potential appointments include Jonathan Reynolds for an expanded business department, Wes Streeting as defence secretary, and Angela Rayner as health secretary. Burnham will set out his vision in a speech on the Downing Street steps on Monday.
