Henry Zeffman

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to give speeches on adult social care, youth unemployment and devolution as his government seeks to demonstrate early action on difficult issues. He has previously backed universal social care and says neglected problems can be solved, but opponents question how his plans will be funded. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey offers conditional support and calls for cross-party consensus, while Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake demands details on the costs. Burnham’s first-week pledges also include ending rough sleeping in England, cutting VAT on domestic electricity bills, reducing the bus-fare cap outside London and lowering business rates for pubs, clubs and live-music venues.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to outline plans on adult social care, youth unemployment and devolution, which Downing Street says are long-neglected national challenges. Burnham has previously backed universal social care and says he will seek cross-party agreement, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey offered cooperation. Conservatives questioned how the proposals will be funded. The government has also pledged to end rough sleeping, cut VAT on domestic electricity, reduce bus fares outside London and lower business rates for hospitality and live-music venues.

The government will introduce a 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from next April, aiming to ease financial pressures on nearly 32,000 businesses. Funded by changes to tax relief for firms such as vape shops and increased enforcement on online marketplace sellers, the measure follows earlier reductions and responds to hospitality sector concerns over rising costs and previous rate increases. Industry figures expressed cautious support while noting the relief may not cover broader cost pressures and that details regarding eligibility remain unresolved.

Andy Burnham pledges to remake Labour’s culture, end factionalism and reverse decades of neoliberalism, framing his goals as the most significant political shift in 40 years. He signals major economic change through decentralisation, including creating a No 10 presence in Manchester, while leaving key questions open by not naming a chancellor. His emphasis on consensus-building and detoxifying political discourse highlights ambitions that extend beyond electoral success as he prepares to outline detailed plans upon taking office.

Andy Burnham sets out ambitions for transformative change in the Labour Party and the country, pledging to end factionalism, decentralise power and overturn what he calls four decades of neoliberalism. His plans raise questions within Labour, particularly over his unmade decision on the chancellor role, which signals his intention to drive economic policy directly from Downing Street, including a new No 10 North. Burnham aims to reset political culture, build cross-party consensus and present himself as a post-Brexit leader capable of major national renewal, with further details expected when he speaks outside No 10.

Keir Starmer said his likely successor Andy Burnham will have to devote as much time to international affairs as he has, arguing foreign and domestic issues cannot be separated amid a volatile global environment. In a candid interview, Starmer described his decision to step down as intensely personal, made with his family at Chequers, and insisted he will avoid interfering once he leaves office. He said he had restored the Labour Party during his leadership but acknowledged Labour MPs no longer saw him as the right person to lead them into the next election.

Keir Starmer said his successor, likely Andy Burnham, will need to devote as much time to foreign affairs as domestic issues due to global instability. In his first interview since announcing his resignation, he described the decision as deeply personal and reached with his family. He defended his record, claiming he saved the Labour Party and had been a successful prime minister, while acknowledging criticism over his time spent on international matters. Starmer said he intends to remain an MP but will not interfere with his successor. He noted that Labour MPs no longer believed he was the right person to lead the party into the next election.

Andy Burnham outlined his vision for government in his first speech as presumptive prime minister, promoting a model of extensive devolution based on his experience in Greater Manchester. Central proposals included creating a “No 10 North” office in Manchester with major responsibilities such as leading a large council housebuilding programme, suggesting a reconfiguration of government structures. Burnham pledged broader powers for local leaders across the UK, framing the approach as a major rebalancing of political authority. Although the speech was presented as economic in focus, most arguments centred on governance and political culture, including calls for collaboration and critiques of Westminster’s dysfunction. He also addressed concerns within Labour about regional emphasis, affirming support for all parts of the country. Burnham projected confidence ahead of entering Downing Street, offering reassurance to Labour MPs seeking stability and renewed momentum.

Andy Burnham outlined his vision for governing by using the devolved model he championed in Greater Manchester, proposing significant shifts of power from Westminster to regional leaders. He announced a new Manchester-based prime ministerial office, signalling potential restructuring of central government functions, and pledged broader devolution across the UK. His speech blended economic aims such as raising living standards and reforming business rates with a critique of Westminster’s political culture, urging more collaborative politics. While presenting himself as at ease ahead of becoming prime minister, his northern identity stirred mild unease among some Labour MPs from the south. Burnham’s confidence and promise of a more energised political environment were noted as potential unifying forces within the party.