The past week saw Britain's 6th prime minister in 10 years assume office, with Andy Burnham succeeding Sir Keir Starmer on 20 July. Having spent the leadership contest setting out his broad vision for government, Burnham now faces the considerably harder task of turning that agenda into policy. His first days in Downing Street have been focused on demonstrating this is more than simply a change of leader, with ministers keen to show a new style of government is already taking shape.
At the centre of Burnham’s agenda remains his commitment to economic renewal through greater devolution and investment outside Westminster. The prime minister reiterated plans to shift more decision-making powers to regional leaders, whilst “Number 10 North” was inaugurated in Manchester on Friday as part of a wider effort to rebalance government away from London. Housing, transport, infrastructure and skills are all expected to feature prominently as ministers begin preparing the government’s first major legislative programme.
Attention is also turning to the new Cabinet and the direction of economic policy under the Burnham administration. His decision to have a brutal clearout of Starmer allies resulted in many considered to be on the right of the party or close to the former prime minister losing their jobs. New appointments include rising star in the Labour party Miatta Fahnbulleh as Energy Secretary, and the controversial choice of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary. Lucy Powell replaces Bridget Phillipson as Education Secretary, the latter now Minister for Women and Equalities. The ambitious former potential candidate for prime minister Wes Streeting has taken up the role of Defence Secretary, an outcome he is likely to be pleased with given the size of the role and assuming it during a crucial moment in the Ukraine-Russia war, with continued turbulence in the Middle East. Burnham’s choice of Chancellor, the former Defence Secretary John Healey, has instilled optimism amongst those in the defence sector that his government will take defence spending and national security seriously. Healy previously resigned under Keir Starmer’s government over his inability to commit to spending 3% of GDP on defence by 2030.
Regardless of the internal politics surrounding Burnham’s choice of Cabinet members, markets and businesses will be watching closely for signs of how the new government intends to balance its ambitious spending commitments with fiscal discipline, a test of the prime minister’s previous commitment he “wouldn’t be beholden to the bond markets.” The Treasury is expected to begin work in earnest on the first Budget of Burnham’s premiership, with ministers insisting improving living standards remains the government’s overriding priority.
The Opposition wasted little time attempting to define the new prime minister before he can define himself. Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch argued Burnham has inherited office without receiving a direct mandate from the electorate and questioned whether his programme represents a significant departure from Labour’s 2024 manifesto. Reform UK adopted a similar line, renewing calls for an early general election and claiming the country should have the opportunity to vote on Britain’s new prime minister.
Attention now turns to the government’s legislative priorities for the remainder of the summer. Ministers are expected to use the coming weeks to flesh out Burnham’s proposed 10-year mission for economic growth, public service reform and constitutional change, while backbench Labour MPs will be looking for early indications of how much influence they will have under the new leadership.
Foreign affairs is also likely to remain high on the agenda. Burnham has sought to reassure allies the UK’s commitments to NATO and Ukraine remain unchanged, while signalling he intends to pursue a pragmatic relationship with the Trump administration, where British interests align. Officials are also preparing for a series of international meetings over the summer, which will provide the new prime minister with his first major opportunity to establish himself on the world stage.
Beyond Westminster, attention will increasingly turn towards whether Burnham can convert the optimism surrounding his arrival into tangible policy successes. His government has entered office with significant goodwill from Labour MPs and much of the wider party, but expectations are equally high after months of speculation over his leadership. The coming weeks will provide the first real test of whether Burnham can move beyond the politics of succession and establish a premiership capable of delivering the long-term reforms he has promised.
Headlines
- UK says armed forces ready to defend country after Iran threat over US bombers – Reuters
- Regional mayors to take key roles in UK policy decisions as part of No 10 North plans – The Guardian
- Burnham says he is prepared to call out Trump 'if right for Britain' – BBC News
- Burnham to meet Zelenskyy at UK naval base in show of ‘unwavering’ support – The Guardian
- Andy Burnham vows to use his ‘political capital’ to fix social care system – The Guardian
What's on in Parliament
Parliament is currently in recess. The House of Lords returns on the 31st of August, and the House of Commons returns on the 1st of September.
Consultations
- Independent review of the prison system in England and Wales - Call for Evidence – closes 31st August
- Regulation of drug testing devices – closes 25th September
- Equal pay and pay discrimination – closes 27th October
Statistics
- Future Combat Air System Digital Strategy – published 23rd July
- UK-ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) factsheet – published 24thJuly
- Social mobility: local roots, lasting change – government response – published 24thJuly
- Animal by-products legislation for England: exemptions – published 26th July