LONDON: Andy Burnham will pledge to restore confidence in the UK government and give people “breathing room” when the former mayor of Greater Manchester becomes prime minister on Monday, reported PA Media/dpa.
The new Labour leader will set out his domestic priorities in his first speech after visiting King Charles III and formally taking over from Keir Starmer.
He is expected to characterise the moment as one of “reflection and resolution,” arguing Britain must be honest about the challenges it faces and demonstrate it can solve them.
And he will say he is “acutely conscious” that the UK has had seven prime ministers over the last 10 years, and stress the need for more stable and responsible politics.
Allies of Burnham said on Sunday evening he would argue that political stability must deliver “tangible” improvements along with the “breathing room” on the cost of living he has previously promised.
Having come to the Labour leadership without a contest barely a month after returning to Parliament, Burnham is yet to set out much of his agenda for his premiership.
He has already said he wants to devolve power away from London as one of his key priorities.
Promising a “reset of priorities,” Burnham has also announced he will scrap Starmer’s flagship digital ID programme in order to focus money and attention on the cost of living.
In his first week in office, the new prime minister is expected to unveil policies aimed at making people’s lives easier.
Reports have suggested this could include action on energy bills, including allowing more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
Environmental campaigners have urged him to stick to Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which promised not to issue new licences for North Sea drilling, arguing they would not reduce energy bills.
Burnham could also face a decision on whether to temporarily nationalise Thames Water as the firm struggles with a £20 billion (US$26.8 billion) debt pile.
He has already expressed support for greater public control of essential services, and Thames Water’s main creditors have said they are willing to discuss the issue with his new ministers in an effort to agree a rescue deal and avoid the business falling into a so-called “special administration regime.”
Following his speech at his Downing Street office, Burnham is expected to begin announcing his Cabinet choices.
Attention has focused on who he will choose as his chancellor, with the contest said to be between Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
–BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa
