Andy Burnham is set to outline a new path for Britain during a speech at a special Labour Party conference in central London this Friday. The Makerfield MP will be formally confirmed as the new Labour leader at the event, marking a significant transition before he officially takes over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday.
Burnham’s ascent follows his by-election victory in Makerfield last month, a win that triggered a rapid rise to the top of the party. He secured his status as the sole leadership candidate earlier this week after receiving the backing of 379 Labour MPs and the majority of trade unions associated with the party.
In his upcoming address, Burnham is expected to declare that his government will be unashamedly Labour in its priorities and will demonstrate the courage required to address major issues that have been neglected by politics for years.
He will argue that creating an economy that works for everyone across the United Kingdom necessitates a new path, departing from the trajectory the country has followed for the last 40 years.
His vision for the government includes a focus on driving growth in every postcode, returning power to local communities, and maintaining the conviction to argue for these plans.
Burnham’s proposed economic programme is described as distinctively Labour, with specific plans to pursue reindustrialisation and increase public control over utilities such as water. He has also signaled that his leadership will foster a more united party, one that is more open to collaborating with other political parties to confront the long-term challenges facing the nation.
He has committed to serving as a leader for the north and the south, for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and for every city and town across the country. During his speech, he will also pay tribute to Sir Keir Starmer for his 2024 general election victory, highlighting the Labour government's achievements in NHS improvements and investment in public services.
Sir Keir Starmer resigned as leader last month, acknowledging that he was not the best person to lead the party into the next general election. His decision followed heavy Labour losses in the May local elections and mounting pressure from his own MPs to step aside in favor of Burnham.
The path for Burnham was cleared when potential leadership contenders, including former health secretary Wes Streeting and former defence minister Al Carns, announced they would not challenge him.
Speaking from Ukraine on Thursday, Sir Keir expressed his desire for an orderly transition and noted that he had established a sound foundation for his successor.
While Burnham has not yet announced his cabinet, reports suggest that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who will announce his leadership at the conference, is a potential pick for chancellor, with discussions reportedly ongoing. Further policy details are expected to emerge after he takes office in Number 10 on Monday.
Previously, Burnham proposed a new Number 10 unit based in Manchester, which would be tasked with granting local government more control over housing and transport. He also plans to conduct a listening tour of the UK during the summer parliamentary recess to engage with the public.
Addressing concerns regarding his economic agenda, Burnham has insisted he will not be indisciplined with public finances. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning to the incoming administration, advising against increasing public spending amid pressures such as rising household energy bills.
In a recent report, the IMF urged the UK to remain focused on economic growth, suggesting that the government should be highly selective in accommodating new demands, prioritize existing resources, and adhere to current deficit reduction plans rather than increasing total spending.
Making the economy work for people across the UK will require a "new path to the one we've been on for the last 40 years", Burnham will say.
