Andy Burnham is set to become Prime Minister on Monday, intending to implement left-wing policies reminiscent of the pre-Thatcher era, including wealth taxes. However, an exclusive poll conducted by Find Out Now for the Mail on Sunday indicates that 47 percent of the public believe Burnham, who was chosen as Labour leader without a contest, should call a general election to legitimize his agenda. Thirty-one percent disagree with this sentiment.
The survey also revealed a public preference for cutting public spending over tax increases to repair public finances, with 55 percent advocating for spending cuts and only 18 percent supporting tax hikes. These findings emerge as Burnham's nascent administration faces internal conflict regarding Cabinet appointments.
Amidst these developments, Burnham is reportedly preparing to authorize new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, a move reportedly in response to energy pressures stemming from the Iran War, despite previous objections from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband on environmental grounds. This potential policy shift contrasts with his stated aim of dragging Britain back to the pre-Thatcher era.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has criticized Burnham, labeling him a 'people pleaser' who avoids scrutiny. "The job is not a popularity contest, it is making the lives of all of the people outside this building better," Badenoch stated, according to the BBC.
Further scrutiny has been placed on Burnham's proposed 'mansion tax' on properties exceeding £1.5 million. Analysis suggests this tax could burden families in the South of England with an £800 million bill, with 60 percent of the total tax falling on London properties and only one percent on properties in Manchester.
Internal party dynamics have also been highlighted, with allies of Burnham reportedly accusing Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood of positioning herself for the Chancellor role, potentially ahead of Ed Miliband. Reports have also surfaced regarding security assessments that suggest Burnham might not be able to reside in his family home while working from the proposed Downing Street North without significant safety enhancements.
Burnham has pledged to dismantle the Starmer government's Digital ID program. His broader policy agenda includes public control of water and energy companies, a new council house-building initiative, reductions in energy bills and bus fares, and social care reform, to be funded by wealth or death taxes.
Despite his vision of a 'new politics' and reclaiming power from Westminster, some Labour MPs have expressed concerns about his ability to enact reforms without a clear electoral mandate. One MP noted, "He hasn't got a mandate. The pressure will come on him to go for an early election—not straight away, but next year."
Confusion has also been reported regarding Cabinet appointments. While Ed Miliband was initially slated for Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood is now considered a strong contender for the role. In such a scenario, Miliband might be appointed Foreign Secretary. The Foreign Office position has also been speculatively linked to David Miliband, Ed Miliband's brother, which would signify his return to British politics.
Wes Streeting, a former rival for the leadership, has been considered for Health Secretary, Defence Secretary, or Chancellor. Angela Rayner, former Deputy Prime Minister, has also been linked to the Health Secretary role, partly due to her background in care work, though sources close to her indicate she would require significant persuasion for the position and has not yet received a formal offer.
Burnham stated on Friday that Cabinet selections were still being finalized, with no senior politician having received a concrete job offer. Senior Labour MP Graham Stringer commented that if Burnham is serious about implementing his promised changes, he must consider seeking a mandate from the public, adding, "You cannot unify the party on a blank cheque. You cannot take people with you if you do not tell them where they are going."