Andy Burnham will become the new prime minister of the United Kingdom today, replacing Sir Keir Starmer. The Aintree-born former Manchester mayor will officially take office after Sir Keir visits Buckingham Palace to offer his resignation to the King. Mr Burnham will then see the King to 'kiss hands' and be invited to form a government.
Vision for the Country
Mr Burnham is expected to set out his vision in a speech, focusing on giving people 'breathing space' on the cost of living and devolving power from London to regions across the UK. This process will be driven from his new 'No 10 of the North' in Manchester, where he served as metro mayor for a decade.
Key Policies
A flurry of new measures includes plans to take water and energy companies under public control and a new council house-building programme, according to the BBC. Mr Burnham will also controversially announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, despite Labour's 2024 manifesto pledge to not issue new licences. He is also expected to scrap Sir Keir's flagship digital ID programme in favour of more 'tangible' improvements like helping with the cost of living.
Cabinet and Support
Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell told the BBC that Mr Burnham would be 'bolder and more ambitious' while standing by manifesto promises. She said: 'Our manifesto did talk about the redistribution of power, it did talk about the rewiring of our country, it did talk about taking on some of those vested interests. He really understands the bigger, bolder measures that are needed.'
The incoming leader confirmed he would announce his Cabinet after entering No 10, with Shabana Mahmood expected to become chancellor, replacing Rachel Reeves.
Rapid Ascent
Mr Burnham's journey to No 10 was supercharged after his commanding win in the Makerfield by-election and the disastrous local election results for Labour. Sir Keir resigned on June 22 after losing support from ministers and MPs. Mr Burnham has the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs, with over 90% publicly supporting him, and no other candidates entered the race.
Mr Burnham wrote exclusively in the ECHO last week ahead of the passing of the new Hillsborough Law through the House of Commons. In his first speech since returning to parliament, he praised not just the Hillsborough families but the people of Liverpool.
