Andy Burnham will become prime minister on Monday, promising to restore confidence in government and provide the public with 'breathing room' on the cost of living. In his first speech from Downing Street, after formally taking over from Sir Keir Starmer, he is expected to characterise the moment as one of 'reflection and resolution,' arguing that Britain must be honest about its challenges and demonstrate it can solve them.
Stability and Tangible Improvements
Burnham, who has had seven prime ministers in the last decade, will stress the need for more stable and responsible politics. Allies say he will argue that political stability must deliver 'tangible' improvements alongside the 'breathing room' on living costs he has previously promised. Having returned to Westminster barely a month ago and assumed the Labour leadership without a contest, Burnham has yet to outline much of his agenda, but he has indicated a desire to devolve power away from Westminster and drive this through a new 'No 10 North' in Manchester, which he is expected to visit later in the week.
Policy Priorities and Energy Decisions
Promising a 'reset of priorities,' Burnham has already announced he will scrap Starmer's flagship digital ID programme to focus on the cost of living. In his first week, he is expected to unveil policies aimed at easing people's lives, possibly including action on energy bills such as allowing more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Environmental campaigners have urged him to stick to Labour's 2024 manifesto, which promised no new North Sea drilling licences, arguing they would not reduce energy bills. Burnham may also face a decision on temporarily nationalising Thames Water, which is struggling with a £20 billion debt pile. He has expressed support for greater public control of essential services, and Thames Water's main creditors have indicated willingness to discuss a rescue deal with his ministers to avoid a 'special administration regime.'
Cabinet Appointments and Factionalism
Following his Downing Street speech, Burnham is expected to announce his cabinet choices, with attention focused on the chancellor position. Contenders include 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 told the BBC on Sunday the briefings had been 'quite horrible' and 'unedifying.'
