Andy Burnham will spend the weekend finalising plans for government and beginning the process of moving into Downing Street ahead of becoming prime minister on Monday. The MP for Makerfield was officially confirmed as Labour leader on Friday after securing the necessary backing to succeed Sir Keir Starmer.
Cabinet Changes Expected
Mr Burnham is set to make major changes to the cabinet, with a new chancellor expected to be appointed. In his first speech as Labour leader on Friday, he said he was still finalising his choices for the roles, with both Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood tipped as contenders to head the Treasury. “I am finalising those decisions, and I will come to conclusions very shortly, and then I will announce those on Monday,” he said.
Moving into Downing Street
Alongside finalising cabinet appointments, Mr Burnham will begin moving into Downing Street over the weekend. A van from Bishop's Move, a removals and storage company, was pictured at the premises on Friday. He is also expected to visit 'No 10 North' in Manchester during his first week in power.
Dynamic Start Promised
Allies of Mr Burnham have said he intends to make a 'dynamic start' with measures to ease the cost-of-living squeeze. They also stated he will set out policies aimed at making people’s lives easier, with a promise of delivering tangible change as soon as possible.
Transition of Power
Mr Burnham will become prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer visits Buckingham Palace to offer his resignation to the King on Monday. He will then see the King to 'kiss hands' and be invited to take over as prime minister, before setting out his vision to the country from Downing Street.
Unity and Inclusivity
Mr Burnham has pledged that his cabinet will include all parts of the Labour Party in a bid to 'move beyond' factionalism. He said he would not seek to 'suspend or punish members who have principled views that may be different from mine' and will build unity by 'respecting all shades of opinion'. Other senior Labour figures who could serve important roles include former transport secretary Louise Haigh and former health secretary Wes Streeting, who had previously been seen as his main contender for the Labour leadership.
