Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has demanded an immediate general election following Andy Burnham's ascent to the premiership. Burnham, who will be formally appointed by the King on Monday, secured the Labour leadership after no other candidate stood in the contest triggered by Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. Farage argues that the British people, not party MPs, should decide who governs the country.
Farage Criticises Lack of Mandate
Farage warned that Burnham's government would bring "more taxes, more border chaos, more Europe, and an extra £10 billion in foreign aid – all without any democratic mandate." He contrasted Reform UK's stance with that of the Conservative Party, whose leader Kemi Badenoch has not called for a general election. "Unlike the Tories, who do not seem to take any interest in fighting elections these days, we are calling for an immediate general election," Farage said. "Burnham must set out his stall, put it to the British people, and let us decide the future of our country."
Burnham's First Speech Priorities
Andy Burnham is expected to pledge to restore confidence in government and give people "breathing room" in his first Downing Street address. After visiting the Palace to "kiss hands" with the King, he will characterise the moment as one of "reflection and resolution," arguing that Britain must be honest about its challenges and demonstrate it can solve them. He will stress the need for stable and responsible politics, noting that the UK has had seven prime ministers in the last ten years.
Allies of Burnham say he will argue that political stability must deliver "tangible" improvements alongside the promised "breathing room" on the cost of living. Having become Labour leader without a contest barely a month after returning to Westminster, Burnham has yet to set out a detailed agenda for his premiership.
Devolution and Policy Shifts
Burnham has already indicated that devolving power from Westminster is a key priority, driving this agenda with a new "No 10 North" in Manchester, which he is expected to visit later in the week. Promising a "reset of priorities," he has announced he will scrap Sir Keir's flagship digital ID programme to focus money and attention on the cost of living. In his first week, he is expected to unveil policies aimed at making people's lives easier, potentially 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 licences for North Sea drilling, arguing they would not reduce energy bills.
Thames Water and Cabinet Decisions
Burnham could also face a decision on whether to temporarily nationalise Thames Water as the firm struggles with a £20 billion debt pile. He has expressed support for greater public control of essential services, and Thames Water's main creditors have said they are willing to discuss a rescue deal to avoid the business falling into a "special administration regime." Following his Downing Street speech, Burnham is expected to begin announcing his cabinet choices. Attention has focused on the chancellor role, with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reportedly in contention. Burnham said on Friday he had still not decided, despite anonymous briefings against both candidates. Party deputy leader Lucy Powell told the BBC the briefings had been "quite horrible" and "unedifying."
