Andy Burnham vowed to steer Britain back to the 1970s upon taking over as Labour leader, signaling a significant lurch to the left. In his first speech as the next Prime Minister, Burnham stated that Britain had taken "a series of wrong turns" under Margaret Thatcher that previous Labour governments had failed to correct. He asserted that his administration would be "distinctively Labour," indicating a departure from policies that he suggested had adopted "Tory clothes" or attempted to "out-Reform Reform."
Burnham, who is set to be appointed Prime Minister on Monday, claimed he would be the most important British leader in 40 years and promised to "bring back hope" to the nation. While insisting he has a plan, he offered few specifics on his policy agenda and notably omitted any mention of immigration, foreign affairs, crime, or defense during his address.
The Labour leader's ascent followed an internal process described by one source as an "extraordinary stitch-up," leaving him with what is characterized as the weakest mandate of any modern Prime Minister. He received cheers from Labour MPs at the Trades Union Congress headquarters in London, where he committed to leading an "authentically Labour" government, interpreted by some as a signal of a left-wing orientation.
Opposition figures criticized Burnham's approach. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake challenged Burnham to recall Parliament to present his plan, arguing that the core issue was "high-tax, high-spend Labour MPs." Former Tory Cabinet minister Esther McVey called Burnham's speech "vacuous" and criticized its focus on "hope" while neglecting critical national issues.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for an immediate general election, stating Burnham had "absolutely no mandate." He predicted the incoming Prime Minister would increase taxes and loosen border controls.
Burnham has indicated he has not ruled out appointing Ed Miliband as Chancellor, despite reports favoring Shabana Mahmood. Allies have suggested plans for a "wealth tax" that could affect middle-class families. Burnham has also revived his controversial "death tax" proposal, intended to fund social care, and has been speculated to be considering appointing Angela Rayner as health secretary for radical reforms. It has also emerged that both Mahmood and Miliband have previously supported measures affecting pensions.
Burnham asserted he played no role in the ousting of former leader Sir Keir Starmer, appealing for an end to internal party disputes. A recent poll indicated a five-point rise in Labour's support, drawing them level with Reform at 24 percent following Starmer's departure. The incoming Prime Minister cited former leader Neil Kinnock as a political hero.
The 1970s, a period Burnham invoked, were characterized by industrial unrest, high inflation, and significant taxation, leading to a UK bailout by the International Monetary Fund. Margaret Thatcher came to power in 1979, and the Labour Party did not regain power until Tony Blair's victory in 1997.
Burnham criticized "40 years of neoliberalism" for damaging towns in Labour's northern heartlands. He specifically targeted the centralization of political power and privatization of economic assets, arguing this led to a loss of control over essential services like housing, water, energy, and transport, leaving the public exposed to higher costs. He also suggested Margaret Thatcher's "Right to Buy" policy, which enabled millions to purchase their homes, was a mistake that led to the current reliance on the private rented sector.
In an effort to project a proactive image, Burnham's team is reportedly planning several announcements for the coming week. He is also reportedly considering reversing Labour's opposition to new North Sea drilling to signal a "pro-business" stance.
Burnham secured his leadership position without a contest, receiving backing from 379 of Labour's 403 MPs. Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to resign as Prime Minister at Buckingham Palace on Monday, after which Burnham will be appointed.