Concerns are mounting in Whitehall over the preparedness of an incoming administration, as potential Prime Minister Andy Burnham has yet to name his cabinet ministers. Discussions with civil servants regarding the plans for power are reportedly being hampered by the limited size of Mr. Burnham's core team.
Mr. Burnham and his principal aides have been engaged in talks with Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, focusing on critical areas such as national security, the economy, and proposals for increased devolution of power. However, the absence of a broader team means that essential 'access talks' between prospective ministers and their respective government departments have not yet commenced. This is unusual, as such discussions are typically well underway in the period preceding a general election to ensure a seamless transfer of power.
A Whitehall source noted that such transitions typically involve individuals who have recently served in cabinet, providing a degree of familiarity with government operations. The current situation, they warned, risks an administration entering office with less preparation than its recent predecessors.
In parallel, senior political figures are reportedly positioning themselves for roles in Mr. Burnham's potential government. Labour MP Angela Rayner has recently indicated a shift in her stance on electoral reform, a policy long supported by Mr. Burnham, which aims to introduce a form of proportional representation.
Ms. Rayner, who previously identified as a proponent of the first-past-the-post system, stated in recent comments that conversations have addressed the public's frustration with governments elected on low vote shares and a perceived lack of representation. She suggested that a growing consensus among voters indicates a demand for change in the current electoral system.
Sir Keir Starmer has authorized the civil service to initiate access talks with Mr. Burnham. To date, these discussions have primarily involved Mr. Burnham, his chief of staff James Purnell, and former Cabinet minister Louise Haigh. Another Labour figure described the transition process as being slowed by Mr. Burnham's "skeletal" team.
Mr. Burnham is projected to assume the role of Prime Minister on July 20, following the withdrawal of other potential contenders. However, he has indicated that his cabinet appointments will not be finalized until he has officially taken office at Downing Street. He confirmed last week that he had not yet selected a Chancellor, with Ed Miliband reportedly seeking the position despite reservations from various groups within the business and trade union sectors, as well as among Labour MPs.
Last week, Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir's former chief of staff, attributed early difficulties in the Labour government's post-election performance to inadequate preparation.