Preparations for Andy Burnham's potential ascent to Downing Street are reportedly in a state of 'frantic' activity, as a shortened timeline for Keir Starmer's departure from Number 10 has left his team scrambling to assemble policies and a government.
Sources close to Mr. Burnham expressed concerns about readiness, with one remarking on the 'panic' and the need to prepare far sooner than anticipated. The team had reportedly been expecting a longer handover period, but Starmer's announcement of a departure within three weeks has accelerated the timeline significantly. This has led to a rush to finalize policy proposals and ministerial appointments.
A senior Labour MP described the situation as the team "flapping," as they attempt to get their heads around numerous policy matters and existing governmental issues. A serving minister questioned Burnham's readiness, noting the limited time available.
Mr. Burnham is scheduled to outline his economic vision next week, including plans to reduce national debt and borrowing costs, adhering to existing fiscal rules. His campaign team, led by Louise Haigh, is reportedly compiling lists of potential job requests from MPs for cabinet positions, which is expected to be a challenging task given the need to balance allegiances and avoid a perception of factionalism.
One of Burnham's allies warned that assembling the first cabinet will be his "first test of character," suggesting that not all associates will be appointed to top roles. The process of selecting cabinet members is anticipated to be controversial.
Despite reports of hurried preparations, supporters of Mr. Burnham insist that significant preparatory work has already been undertaken. They claim a manifesto is ready and that policy discussions have occurred with stakeholders and members of the Parliamentary Labour Party. The upcoming Summer Recess is seen by some as a potential "saving grace," offering a brief period of respite.
Access talks between leadership candidates and government departments are set to commence, coordinated by Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo. These confidential discussions will focus on government formation and key policy priorities, enabling the civil service to prepare for any outcome. The process for these talks, particularly in light of the unprecedented nature of this handover, is still being clarified by Cabinet Office civil servants.
Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham met for approximately an hour, their first conversation since Burnham's selection as a parliamentary candidate. This meeting, confirmed by Downing Street, was reportedly to discuss the transition.
Mr. Burnham's spokesman denied claims that his team had sought to persuade another candidate to enter the leadership contest to allow for more preparation time. However, a source previously suggested that such discussions had occurred regarding a potential "stalking horse" candidate to prolong the process, though these conversations have reportedly since ended.
Should he become Prime Minister, Mr. Burnham would face significant challenges, including recalibrating relations with the European Union, addressing defense spending, and planning for the next budget. A previously scheduled campaign rally in South London was canceled due to concerns about potential disruption by protesters, and the organization of the event drew criticism from a local Labour councillor who called Burnham's team "clueless."