'More breathing room': Burnham unveils first promise as PM

'More breathing room': Burnham unveils first promise as PM

Andy Burnham will promise to give Britons "more breathing room" as he delivers his first speech outside No.10 on Monday after becoming the UK's 59th Prime Minister.

The incoming Labour leader is expected to portray his premiership as a fresh start after years of political turmoil, promising stability, honesty and action on the cost-of-living crisis.

First message from Downing Street

Burnham will officially take office after Sir Keir Starmer tenders his resignation to King Charles III before the monarch invites the former Greater Manchester Mayor to form a government.

Standing outside Downing Street for the first time as Prime Minister, Burnham is expected to acknowledge public frustration with Westminster.

He will say he is "acutely conscious" that Britain has had seven Prime Ministers in just ten years, arguing the country now needs responsible government rather than endless political upheaval.

Burnham is also expected to describe the moment as one of "reflection and resolution", insisting Britain must confront its challenges honestly while delivering practical improvements to everyday life.

Cost of living takes centre stage

The heart of Burnham's speech will focus on easing pressure on struggling households.

He is expected to argue that political stability should produce tangible results by giving families "more breathing room" through lower living costs and improved public services.

His first domestic priorities are expected to include:

• Tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

• Reforming social care.

• Building more council homes.

• Bringing water and energy companies into public ownership.

• Greater devolution of power away from Westminster.

Cabinet mystery continues

One of the biggest unanswered questions remains who will become Chancellor.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband had been viewed as the frontrunner, but Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is now reportedly emerging as the favourite for the Treasury.

Burnham has refused to announce his Cabinet before entering Downing Street, with appointments expected later on Monday.

Digital ID and North Sea plans

The new Prime Minister is also expected to scrap Labour's proposed national Digital ID scheme as part of what aides describe as a "reset of priorities."

Meanwhile, ministers are preparing to outline plans for fresh North Sea oil and gas production from existing licensed fields, alongside wider reforms aimed at strengthening Britain's energy security.

Environmental campaigners have urged Burnham not to abandon Labour's 2024 manifesto commitment against issuing new drilling licences, although Downing Street is expected to insist existing commitments remain unchanged.

Badenoch: 'No clear plan'

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch wished Burnham success but warned he was entering office without a clear programme for government.

In an open letter, she criticised the incoming Prime Minister for avoiding parliamentary scrutiny and refusing to answer detailed questions about his agenda.

She also urged him to rule out tax rises and challenged Labour to tackle Britain's growing welfare bill.

Pressure begins immediately

Burnham enters Downing Street with high expectations but mounting political pressure.

Opposition parties continue to question his mandate after he became Labour leader unopposed, while many of his biggest policy announcements—including Cabinet appointments, tax plans and economic strategy—remain to be unveiled.

His first speech as Prime Minister will therefore set the tone for an administration promising what Burnham has called the biggest political change Britain has seen in more than four decades.

SOURCE