Today has already been another pivotal day in British politics as Andy Burnham delivered his first major speech as he positions himself as the Prime Minister in waiting. Following his victory in Makerfield and growing expectations that he will become Prime Minister within weeks, Burnham wants to move beyond the politics of succession and begin setting out a long-term vision for government. His address focused on what he describes as the "circuit-breaker" Britain needs, with a package of proposals centred on economic renewal, devolution and restoring public trust in politics.
At the heart of Burnham's plans is a commitment to devolve power away from Westminster, including proposals to establish a ‘Number 10 North’ by relocating parts of the Prime Minister's operation to Manchester. Drawing heavily on his experience as Greater Manchester Mayor, Burnham is expected to argue that empowering regional and local leaders can deliver what he describes as "good growth in every postcode".
Alongside constitutional reform, he is also set to outline a “10-year mission” focused on raising living standards through reindustrialisation, infrastructure, housing, utilities reform and stronger partnerships between government, business, universities and local communities. Education reform and new approaches to public procurement will also feature prominently, with particular emphasis on reducing youth unemployment.
The speech has been closely scrutinised by Burnham’s allies and opposition alike. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has already delivered a speech this morning, declaring that business is “absent” from Burnham’s policy platform, and the former Mayor of Greater Manchester is s heading for a "short tenure as PM”.
Badenoch also criticised Burnham's emphasis on devolution, arguing that shifting power between different layers of government does little to address wider questions around taxation, welfare and defence spending. Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick has struck a similar note, questioning whether relocating civil servants outside London would materially improve economic opportunities across the North.
While Burnham's policy agenda is beginning to take shape, attention is also turning to the composition of a future Cabinet. Speculation continues over who could become Chancellor, with POLITICO reporting that Burnham is still undecided. Ed Miliband is still the most likely contender to replace Reeves as he is considered least likely to ‘spook’ the bond markets. 65% of traders on American prediction markets believe that Ed Miliband will step into the role, with no other candidate reaching more than a 10% chance.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer's administration is occupied with attempting to build the outgoing PM’s legacy. The long-delayed Defence Investment Plan is expected to be published tomorrow after months of negotiations and ministerial resignations over funding levels. Early indications suggest the Government will prioritise more affordable naval capabilities over direct replacements for the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers, reflecting the difficult financial choices ministers continue to face.
It is still expected that Burnham will be crowned as Prime Minister, but that does not rule out any last-ditch attempts from a hopeful Labour MP to secure the 81 signatures from their colleagues and enter the ballot before July 9th. Burnham’s team would like to avoid any unnecessary background noise, which may lead to some surprise admissions to his first cabinet as he trades top jobs for peace and a clear run at becoming Prime Minister on July 20th.
Headlines
- Number 10 in the north: How much power will it have? – Sky News
- White working-class children failed by education system, says inquiry – BBC News
- Record 20,000 foreign criminals avoid deportation – The Telegraph
- Britain's case for meaningful devolution is overwhelming – Financial Times
What's on in Parliament
Monday 29th June
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Work and Pensions
- Motion on behalf of Committee of Selection: International Development Committee; Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
- Westminster Hall: e-petition relating to NHS breast screening
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Human rights and reputational risks presented by their public service contracts with Palantir
- Oral questions: UK's food security
- Oral questions: Addressing the skills shortage in the construction sector
Tuesday 30th June
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Justice
- Estimates Day: Main Estimates 2026-27
- Westminster Hall debate: Future of high streets
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Reforming university student finance
- Oral questions: Resilience of NHS infrastructure to extreme heat
- Legislation: National Security (State Threats) – committee and all remaining stages
Wednesday 1st July
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Science, Innovation and Technology
- Prime Minister's Question Time
- Legislation: Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill: all stages
House of Lords
- Oral questions: Use of AI and live facial recognition for counterterrorism purposes
- Legislation: Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill – committee (day 2)
- Legislation: Financial Services and Markets Bill - committee (day 4)
Thursday 2nd July
House of Commons
- Oral questions: Business and Trade
- Business Questions to the Leader of the House
- Motion: Debate on a Motion relating to the National Audit Office
House of Lords
- Short debate: Assessment made of the contribution of live music to the UK’s culture and economy
- Debate: The future affordability and quality of higher education
- Oral questions: Reducing waiting times for consideration of cases in the Employment Tribunal system
Friday 3rd July
House of Commons
- The House of Commons is not sitting and will return on Monday 6th July.
House of Lords
- Legislation: Lobbying Transparency (In-house Lobbyists) Bill – second reading
- Legislation: Nature’s Rights Bill – second reading
- Legislation: Local Plans (Burial Space) Bill - second reading
Consultations
- First Time Buyer ISA consultation – Closes 17th August
- Make Work Pay: employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children – Closes 1st September
- Modernising the distributions framework – Closes 14th September
Statistics
- Supporting Families spend evaluation: final report – Published 25th June
- Assessment of the education technology market in England – Published 25th June
- The Universal Credit Survey 2025 – Published 25th June