Concerns are mounting within Whitehall that Andy Burnham's administration could be the "worst prepared" in recent history due to his refusal to name his cabinet ministers. Burnham, who is on course to become Prime Minister on July 20, has been engaged in talks with civil servants regarding his plans for power over the past week.
However, sources indicate that these discussions are being hampered by the limited size of Burnham's projected top team. While Burnham, his chief of staff James Purnell, and former cabinet minister Louise Haigh have been involved in discussions with Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo on critical issues like national security, the economy, and devolution, the absence of a wider ministerial team prevents "access talks" between prospective ministers and their departments.
These preparatory discussions are standard practice ahead of a change in government, allowing for a smooth transition. "At this point ahead of an election you would normally have access talks going on across government to ensure a smooth transition of power," a Whitehall source told the Daily Mail. "But there is no–one for most departments to talk to. Even when we have had changes of leaders between elections, the new PM has always been someone who was recently in Cabinet."
The same source warned, "There is a danger that we end up with a new PM who has less preparation than any of his recent predecessors."
Amidst this uncertainty, senior Labour figures are reportedly positioning themselves for roles in a potential Burnham government. Labour MP Angela Rayner, previously a staunch opponent of electoral reform, has signaled a shift in her stance, suggesting openness to proportional representation. This change aligns with Burnham's long-held interest in revising the electoral system to give smaller parties a greater voice.
Rayner stated on LBC that recent conversations have highlighted voter frustration with governments elected on low vote shares and a desire for representation. "For the first time since I've been an MP this feels like a siren call from the voters," she said. "Things change when ordinary people say, we demand change. From the grassroots there is that level of consensus that we cannot carry on with the system we have."
Last week, Sir Keir Starmer authorized the civil service to begin access talks with Burnham. Despite this, the process has so far been confined primarily to Burnham, Purnell, and Haigh, with a Labour figure describing the progress as being held back by Burnham's "skeletal" team.
Burnham himself has indicated that he has not yet selected key positions, such as Chancellor. Ed Miliband is reportedly seeking this role, despite facing opposition from business, trade unions, and a segment of Labour MPs. The situation draws parallels to criticism leveled by Sir Keir's former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who last week attributed Labour's initial struggles in government after the election to a lack of preparation.