Andy Burnham, the incoming Prime Minister, delivered his first speech as Labour leader on Friday, vowing to have the 'courage to fix the big things that politics has neglected' and to give Britain 'hope back'. Addressing a special conference at Congress House in central London, the former Greater Manchester Mayor said he was 'ready to lead' as he prepares to enter Downing Street on Monday.
Burnham's Pledge to Fix Social Care
Burnham indicated that social care would be a top priority, pledging to 'expend quite a lot of political capital' on what he called a long-neglected sector. 'We are going to give them hope back,' he told party members, as his wife Marie-France van Heel watched from the audience.
Call for Unity Against the Right
Burnham urged Labour to unite behind him to defeat 'Britain's new Right'. He said 'forgotten places everywhere up and down this country' were calling 'for a return of the Labour they once knew', adding: 'We will be that version of Labour again.' He promised a 'distinctively Labour' style of government, stating: 'We won't try to out-green the Greens or out-Reform Reform, or doing what we've done in the past of wearing too many Tory clothes.'
Tribute to Keir Starmer
Burnham paid tribute to outgoing leader Keir Starmer, who led the party 'from our worst defeat to one of the best victories in our history'. He credited Starmer with putting Labour 'back in a position to change people's lives', citing falling NHS waiting lists and rail renationalisation. 'Today, we thank Keir for his service to our Party and to our country,' Burnham said.
Support from Labour Grandees
Former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock, who was in the audience, told The Mirror: 'I am quite excited - my spirits are lifted.' He added: 'Partly because the turmoil is behind us, it's very important. Secondly because of the very strong sense of direction and purpose conveyed very positively by Andy.' Former PM Gordon Brown posted on X: 'Congratulations to my friend Andy Burnham on becoming leader of the Labour Party with a clear mission to transform Britain for the better.'
TUC and Political Reactions
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: 'The TUC sends its congratulations and looks forward to working with the new Prime Minister. Andy Burnham's government needs to hit the ground running and focus relentlessly on improving the living standards of working people.' He called for action on energy bills, taxing bank profits, and delivering workers' rights.
Cabinet Appointments Pending
Burnham ran unopposed for the role, with 379 out of 403 Labour MPs nominating him. He defended not announcing key Cabinet posts yet, telling the BBC: 'You do that when you do take over. You make those decisions, and it would be somewhat premature and would I think cause complete chaos if you start half a reshuffle before you're in the position.' Asked about the Chancellor role, he said he was finalising decisions and would announce them on Monday.
