Andy Burnham has used his first speech as Prime Minister to promise a “ten-year plan” for Britain, pledges on rough sleeping and the cost of living, while facing an immediate test over key Cabinet appointments including the Chancellor role.
Andy Burnham has acknowledged that the Labour Government “needs to be better” after formally taking over from Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. In a speech delivered in Downing Street, Mr Burnham signalled a shift to the Left, calling for public services to come under “stronger public control” and setting out plans to “reindustrialise” the country. He said ending rough sleeping would be his first instruction to officials, and confirmed that measures to help with the cost of living would be announced the following day. The speech came after Mr Burnham was formally invited to form a government by the King during an audience at Buckingham Palace.
A “circuit breaker” for Britain
Delivered without notes over seven minutes, Mr Burnham’s address described his premiership as a “circuit breaker for Britain,” saying he wanted to deliver the biggest political and economic reset in more than four decades. He said his government would put “the care of people at the heart of everything I do,” linking plans on housing, health and social care to improving living standards. He also pledged to pursue “stable and responsible politics,” arguing that frequent changes of leadership had undermined public trust and damaged Britain’s international standing.
Mr Burnham said: “Later this year I will bring forward a new plan for Britain, a ten-year plan laying out a path from where we are now to where I believe we all want Britain to be, wherever we’re coming from, whatever party we support. But I can do something to give people some breathing space now, some help with the cost of living. And I will set out some of those measures starting tomorrow, including how we pay for them.”
Housing, welfare and public spending
As part of his plans, Mr Burnham said his government would build more council homes, arguing that increasing the supply of affordable housing would help reduce the welfare bill while remaining within his stated fiscal rules. He reiterated that existing fiscal rules would be maintained, insisting that any new spending commitments would need to be funded. His long-term plan, he said, would focus on rebuilding public services, boosting economic growth outside London and the South East, and creating a more balanced national economy.
Before arriving in Downing Street, Mr Burnham made an unannounced visit to The Passage, a London homelessness charity, where he spoke with staff and people using the service ahead of announcing his pledge to end rough sleeping.
Early policy decisions
Among his first decisions as Prime Minister, Mr Burnham scrapped the previous government’s proposed national digital identity card scheme, saying it would not proceed under his administration. He confirmed that the UK would continue its support for Ukraine and maintain existing commitments to NATO and other international allies. Further cost-of-living measures are expected to be announced in the coming days, rather than being held back for a full Budget.
Cabinet appointments awaited
Mr Burnham is facing an early test of his leadership with Cabinet appointments due to be announced later in the day. The Labour Left has continued to push for Ed Miliband to be made Chancellor, a move that has caused concern among businesses and moderates within the party. Financial markets, which have been relatively calm amid speculation that Shabana Mahmood could be given the role instead, are being closely watched for any surprise decisions that could unsettle investor confidence. The future roles of senior figures including Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting and Yvette Cooper are also yet to be confirmed.
Resignations from the outgoing government have already begun, with prisons minister Lord Timpson confirming he is standing down alongside Sir Keir Starmer.
