Andy Burnham is set to assume the role of prime minister on Monday, officially succeeding Sir Keir Starmer. Burnham, who was the sole candidate in the recent leadership contest, secured the backing of 379 MPs.
Lucy Powell, deputy leader of the Labour Party, stated that Burnham intends to pursue a more ambitious agenda, emphasizing that his leadership will be guided by the commitments outlined in Labour's 2024 general election manifesto. "Our manifesto did talk about the redistribution of power, it did talk about the rewiring of our country, it did talk about taking on some of those vested interests," Powell said. "He [Burnham] really understands the bigger, bolder measures that are needed to live up to the manifesto promises."
Powell indicated that Burnham's premiership represents an opportunity for a "reset." She pointed to the decision to scrap the Digital ID scheme as a "small example of reprioritising." Burnham announced his intention to abandon the Digital ID plan, originally introduced by Starmer last year, as one of his initial actions. According to Powell, the scheme represented a "not insignificant amount of money" and would have diverted focus from the government's core priorities.
Regarding energy policy, it has been reported that Burnham's government will unveil plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Powell described Burnham's stance on this issue as "pragmatic," suggesting it represents a "change of emphasis" rather than a fundamental shift in policy. Some opposition parties have called for Burnham to trigger a general election to secure a direct mandate for his premiership, but Powell asserted that the new leader would adhere to the existing manifesto pledges.