Kemi Badenoch has issued a blunt warning to incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, accusing him of entering Downing Street without a clear plan for government or a mandate for tax-raising proposals. In a letter to Burnham, the Conservative leader urged him to rule out tax increases, warning that even the threat could damage the economy.
Badenoch slammed Burnham for saying last week that he could “ask for a little more” from taxpayers, insisting: “Labour has no mandate at all to put up taxes even further.” She argued that the new prime minister should instead find cash to help struggling families by cutting the UK’s soaring benefits bill.
Burnham’s Coronation Without a Plan
With Burnham moving into No 10 following a coronation by Labour MPs, Badenoch said: “Andy Burnham is becoming Prime Minister without having set out a clear plan for Government.” She cast doubt on his ability to make tough choices, adding: “I have found Andy to be a nice man. But Britain needs a leader who can take difficult decisions, not a people-pleaser.”
Burnham, the former Greater Manchester Mayor, won the Labour leadership contest as the only candidate. He formally becomes Prime Minister after being named by the King at around noon today. He will then begin appointing his Cabinet, including a dedicated minister for AI for the first time.
Tax Rise Threat and Economic Impact
Badenoch warned that speculation about tax rises could harm business investment, home owners, and family finances. She offered to work with Burnham to cut the benefits bill, noting that Keir Starmer left behind a growing welfare bill, higher unemployment, and increased energy costs. “The tax burden is killing economic growth and making the cost of living worse for families,” she said.
Last week, Burnham refused to rule out a wealth tax in an interview with Gary Lineker, stating: “At some point, that might be having to ask for a little more. But those decisions are not for now. They’re for another day.”
Early Policy Moves and Challenges
Burnham plans to hit the ground running with announcements to give cash-strapped households “breathing room” during the cost-of-living crisis. Early moves include scrapping plans for a digital ID scheme and bringing Thames Water into a special form of administration to avoid collapse. He is also expected to approve new North Sea oil and gas fields, a move endorsed by US President Donald Trump.
Trump posted on social media: “The People of Aberdeen are dancing in the streets because the new Prime Minister will be opening up the invaluable North Sea Oil!”
Party Divisions and Polling
Burnham faces internal party splits after suggestions that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband could become Chancellor provoked backlash. Deputy leader Lucy Powell downplayed divisions, blaming media speculation. Polling by Opinium shows Labour at 22%, just one point behind Reform on 23%, with the Conservatives on 20%. Polling expert Sir John Curtice noted that Labour’s support is lower than when Rishi Sunak became PM in 2022, adding: “You can certainly see why Andy Burnham isn’t going to rush into a General Election.”
