Andy Burnham is poised to become the United Kingdom's 59th prime minister on Monday, with his formal transition to the role beginning with a meeting with King Charles. Following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, the King will ask Burnham to form a government, which he is expected to accept.
Burnham is scheduled to deliver his first address as prime minister from Downing Street shortly after the meeting. In his speech, he is anticipated to emphasize the need for political stability to yield "tangible" improvements for the public, specifically addressing the cost of living. He is also expected to call for "honesty and reflection" in political discourse.
Following the public address, Burnham is set to begin forming his cabinet, including appointing a new chancellor. While the full composition of his top team remains undisclosed, Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell indicated that the incoming prime minister's agenda would align with the party's 2024 general election manifesto but would be more ambitious.
Burnham's early policy initiatives are expected to signal a "reset of priorities." This includes the scrapping of plans for a government-issued digital ID for all British adults. Additionally, his administration is anticipated to review plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, alongside proposals to bring water and energy companies under public control. Environmental groups have urged Burnham to uphold the manifesto's commitment against new North Sea drilling licenses, arguing they would not lower energy bills.