Andy Burnham is set to assume the role of Prime Minister on Monday, with plans to implement policies described as 'distinctively Labour' and reminiscent of the pre-Thatcher era. However, an exclusive poll conducted for the Mail on Sunday suggests that 47 percent of voters believe Burnham, who became Labour leader without a contest, should call a general election to validate his proposed agenda. Only 31 percent of respondents disagreed with this sentiment.
The poll, conducted by Find Out Now, also revealed that 18 percent of voters support increasing taxes to repair public finances, while a larger majority of 55 percent favor cutting public spending instead. These findings emerge as Burnham's incoming administration faces internal disputes over Cabinet appointments.
Among other developments, Burnham is reportedly preparing to authorize new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, a move intended to address energy pressures stemming from the Iran War. This decision appears to conflict with previous environmental objections from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. The leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, criticized Burnham, calling him a 'people pleaser' unwilling to undergo proper scrutiny and stating that his role is "not a popularity contest, it is making the lives of all of the people outside this building better."
Analysis of Burnham's proposed mansion tax indicates that homes valued over £1.5 million could face significant bills, with an estimated £800 million burden falling on families in the South of England. The tax is projected to affect London properties most heavily, accounting for 60 percent of the total tax revenue, while Mr. Burnham's home region of Manchester would see only 1 percent of the burden.
Reports also suggest internal friction regarding Cabinet positions. Allies of Burnham have reportedly accused Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood of positioning herself for the Chancellor role, potentially ahead of Ed Miliband, who was previously considered the frontrunner. Security experts have also raised concerns about Burnham's ability to reside in his family home while serving as Prime Minister without substantial safety enhancements.
Burnham has pledged to dismantle the Starmer government's Digital ID program. His broader policy proposals include public control of water and energy companies, a new council house-building initiative, reductions in energy bills and bus fares, and reforms to social care, all of which are expected to be funded through wealth or death taxes. He articulated a vision of building a 'new politics' and 'taking back power from Westminster,' arguing that Britain had taken 'wrong turns in the 1980s' under Margaret Thatcher.
Concerns have been voiced by Labour MPs regarding Burnham's ability to enact reforms without explicit voter backing. 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." Another senior Labour MP, Graham Stringer, stated, "If Andy Burnham is serious about making the scale of changes he promised on Friday, he will have to think about going to the country and getting his own mandate." He added, "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."
The Conservative Party has labeled Burnham a "coronation chicken" for allegedly avoiding parliamentary scrutiny until Parliament reconvenes in September. Badenoch characterized his plans as "airy-fairy stuff."
Confusion appears to be mounting within the Labour Party regarding Cabinet appointments. While Ed Miliband was initially slated for Chancellor, reports suggest Shabana Mahmood may take the position, with Miliband potentially moving to Foreign Secretary. Other individuals linked to high-profile roles include Wes Streeting, a former rival for leadership, who has been considered for Health Secretary, Defence Secretary, or Chancellor. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has also been mentioned as a potential Health Secretary, given her past experience as a care worker, although sources close to her indicate she would require significant persuasion for such a role and has not been offered the position.
Burnham stated on Friday that he was still finalizing his Cabinet choices, and no senior politician has reportedly received a firm job offer. One veteran Labour MP commented on the lack of clarity, saying, "Everyone's so much in the dark that they keep bumping into each other!"