Burnham will be bolder but stick to Labour manifesto, deputy leader says
Labour Deputy Leader Commits to Manifesto While Advocating Bold Measures
Burnham will be bolder but stick - Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader, has asserted that Andy Burnham will uphold the party's 2024 election pledges while embracing a more assertive approach to governance. In an interview with the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she emphasized that Burnham's leadership will focus on "eliminating distractions from other priorities" to address economic challenges and the rising cost of living.
Burnham is set to assume the role of prime minister on Monday, following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation after a meeting with King Charles III. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has criticized Burnham as a "people pleaser," arguing that the nation requires a leader capable of "making tough decisions and confronting Labour MPs." She described his policies as lacking substance, calling them "airy-fairy stuff" and insisting the job should prioritize tangible improvements for ordinary citizens.
"The job is not a popularity contest. It is about improving the lives of people outside this building. He has not yet outlined what he plans to do," Badenoch claimed.
Manifesto Focus and Policy Adjustments
Powell defended Burnham's strategy, stating that the 2024 manifesto outlined key goals such as "redistributing power, modernizing the country, and challenging entrenched interests." She argued that Burnham's leadership would "reset" the political agenda, with the cancellation of the Digital ID scheme serving as a "small example of reprioritizing." The plan, initially proposed by Starmer, will be scrapped as part of his first policy announcements.
The former Labour leader, Powell, highlighted that the Digital ID scheme would have "cost a significant amount" and diverted attention from core government objectives. Separately, the BBC has learned that Burnham's administration will unveil proposals for new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea. Powell described this as a "pragmatic" shift in emphasis rather than a policy reversal, suggesting it aligns with broader plans to take control of water and energy companies and expand council housing.
Political Transition and Leadership Challenges
Although Burnham's rise to power has been anticipated for weeks, he will officially take charge on Monday. The process will begin with Starmer resigning, followed by the King asking Burnham to form a new government. His first task will be to appoint ministers to critical roles, with speculation intensifying over who will lead the Treasury, especially as Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood are considered potential candidates.
Powell also endorsed greater public ownership, asserting that the economy had become "too privatized" and that utilities and essential services no longer serve the public interest. "Bills continue to rise because these sectors prioritize profit over consumers and taxpayers," she argued. In contrast, former Conservative minister Jacob Rees-Mogg stated, "The water industry needs private capital or taxpayers' money—no other funds are available."