Pippa Crerar

Andy Burnham apologised for Labour’s slow response in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying the party did not get its stance right, while stopping short of describing the situation as genocide. The podcast revisits an edited conversation between Guardian journalists Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey, originally published on 9 July.

Education secretary Lucy Powell defends Labour’s plan to expand vocational and technical education in England, arguing that academic excellence and practical skills are complementary rather than competing priorities. She rejects accusations of lowering standards, accepts concerns about school funding and teacher pressure, and promises that new vocational measures will be fully funded. Powell also backs reforms to special educational needs provision while acknowledging parental anxiety, defends the government’s progress on teacher recruitment, and adopts a less confrontational position on private schools. She criticizes the previous Conservative-led education system for leaving more than a million young people outside education, employment or training, and says Labour should focus on its own agenda rather than primarily responding to Reform UK.

The podcast examines Andy Burnham’s proposal for a national care service and the possibility of higher taxes to fund social care. It considers his attempt to build cross-party support, including discussions with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, while noting that Reform UK and the Greens were not included. Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick has characterised the proposal as a ‘death tax’, a description the discussion questions. The episode also addresses criticism of Green Party leader Zack Polanski over a social media post and whether his political style is excessively online.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said assisted-dying legislation should not advance until palliative and social care are properly funded and functioning, although he remains open to a future debate. His position reflects concerns about safeguards and the pressure patients could face in an underfunded care system, and has encouraged Labour MPs who oppose the bill while worrying some supporters about renewed party divisions. Burnham plans cross-party talks on social-care reform, acknowledges that some measures may require tax rises, and has brought forward Louise Casey’s independent review to summer 2027. A fair-pay agreement for care workers and the appointment of a dementia adviser are among the initial measures announced.

Prime minister Andy Burnham will seek cross-party agreement on urgent reforms to England’s social care system, inviting Conservative and Liberal Democrat representatives to discussions while excluding Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. He is expected to accelerate Louise Casey’s independent review and public consultation rather than announce a final model. Options include a service free at the point of use, a Scottish-style system, or a care-cost cap, with each involving difficult trade-offs over taxation, inheritance, household wealth and the quality of care. The crisis is also worsening pressure on the NHS, with thousands of medically fit patients remaining in hospital because suitable social care is unavailable. Labour broadly supports action but remains concerned about costs and fairness, while Conservatives question whether the cross-party initiative is substantive or mainly presentational.

Andy Burnham used his first meeting with a foreign leader, welcoming Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Portsmouth, to signal that the UK’s support for Ukraine will continue despite the change of government. Unlike Keir Starmer, whose premiership was heavily defined by international diplomacy, Burnham intends to focus more on domestic policy and delegate foreign affairs to Ed Miliband and senior advisers. Labour figures believe this could give the foreign secretary greater authority, but warn that crises involving the US, Ukraine or Iran could quickly force Burnham to take a more prominent international role. Starmer has cautioned that domestic prosperity cannot be separated from global affairs.

Andy Burnham welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the UK for Burnham’s first major international meeting as prime minister. The visit is presented as a signal that the UK intends to maintain its close relationship with Ukraine, while the central question is whether Burnham’s energy and charm will translate effectively onto the international stage.

Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot discuss Andy Burnham’s forthcoming meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, intended to demonstrate the UK’s continued support for Ukraine. They also examine Burnham’s plans to address major domestic challenges, including social care, and question how much he could change existing policy.

Andy Burnham has begun his premiership with a markedly different style from Keir Starmer, emphasizing social media, informal communication and high-profile cost-of-living measures rather than traditional media scrutiny and long-term policy messaging. His early initiatives include an electricity-bill VAT cut, a £2 bus-fare cap, a business-rate reduction for pubs and plans for a powerful No 10 North department to drive devolution. The approach has generated attention but also concerns about policy reversals, short-termism and whether the new structure will genuinely transfer power away from Whitehall. Burnham has also promised a more inclusive Labour culture, although his decision to remove or demote much of Starmer’s cabinet has already raised questions about whether he can avoid factional politics.

Andy Burnham plans to give regional mayors a central role in national economic policymaking through a revived National Economic Council and the new No 10 North operation in Manchester. The initiative is intended to shift decision-making away from Westminster, coordinate Whitehall departments around local growth, and support reindustrialisation, housing and transport infrastructure across the UK. Ministers including Louise Haigh, Lucy Powell and Angela Rayner are expected to work from Manchester, while civil servants and Greater Manchester officials relocate there. Supporters describe the plan as a major devolution of power, but critics and civil-service representatives are likely to scrutinize whether it produces meaningful change and how relocation will affect staff.

Pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will receive a 20% reduction in business-rates bills through a £100m aid package, benefiting almost 32,000 businesses and saving a typical pub about £1,100 next financial year. Hospitality leaders welcome the measure but say it is too limited, particularly because hotels and restaurants are excluded, and call for VAT to be reduced to 10%. The government says the package will be funded partly by reviewing relief for businesses such as vape shops and remains committed to wider business-rates reform. The announcement comes amid scrutiny over how other cost-of-living measures, including cheaper bus fares and lower electricity VAT, will be financed.

Andy Burnham’s first week in office has been marked by cost-of-living measures and the abandonment of several major Keir Starmer policies. The podcast examines the motivations behind this rapid policy shift, while noting criticism from former Starmer ministers over its funding and whether the measures are sufficiently ambitious.

Andy Burnham began his premiership by appointing John Healey as chancellor, Ed Miliband as foreign secretary and Yvette Cooper as health secretary, while retaining Shabana Mahmood as home secretary and Angela Rayner as housing secretary. Wes Streeting became defence secretary, and several senior figures from Keir Starmer’s government, including Rachel Reeves and David Lammy, left office. Burnham promised a cost-of-living package, lower energy bills and bus fares, an end to rough sleeping, and a 10-year plan intended to deliver major economic and social changes. He also spoke with French president Emmanuel Macron about Ukraine, the Middle East, energy and defence. Conservatives questioned whether the new government had credible plans to deliver its pledges, while housing and victims’ charities urged ministers to act quickly on homelessness, social housing and criminal-justice reform.

Andy Burnham begins his premiership by promising to restore public confidence, unveiling a cabinet featuring John Healey as chancellor and pledging prudent economic management alongside targeted support for energy bills and transport costs. He emphasizes reindustrialisation, devolution and social care reform, and signals potential tax adjustments while adhering to fiscal rules. Burnham’s early outreach includes calls with international leaders and a commitment to ending rough sleeping. His leadership follows Keir Starmer’s departure, offering Labour an opportunity to reset amid concerns about political instability.

Andy Burnham’s new government is navigating a delicate balance between demonstrating bold change and maintaining market confidence, with advisers wary of any misstep that could trigger a financial backlash. His appointments, including John Healey as chancellor and experienced economic advisers, are intended to project stability while preparing targeted announcements within existing fiscal rules. Burnham aims to expand infrastructure investment, address defence budget gaps, and advance housing and utility plans without unsettling investors. Early market reactions have been cautious but calm, and his team remains focused on avoiding risks as he establishes his leadership.

Andy Burnham has become UK prime minister after replacing Keir Starmer, promising a “circuit breaker” that will deliver major political and economic changes over the next decade. His government plans immediate cost-of-living measures, including possible cuts to energy bills and bus fares, while considering longer-term policies such as rent controls and increased infrastructure investment within existing fiscal rules. John Healey has been appointed chancellor, Ed Miliband foreign secretary and Louise Haigh first secretary of state, while several senior ministers have left government. Burnham also pledged to end rough sleeping, devolve power and pursue reindustrialisation, although his record on homelessness as Greater Manchester mayor is noted as a challenge to that commitment.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey examine whether Andy Burnham’s new cabinet can deliver the “circuit breaker” moment he has promised for Britain. They consider how he intends to govern differently, the changes the country needs, and the role of his cabinet ministers as he becomes the UK’s seventh prime minister since 2016.

Keir Starmer is preparing to leave Downing Street but has not decided what he will do next. Friends and allies expect him to pursue an international-facing role, potentially including the NATO secretary generalship, where his foreign-policy experience and reputation among fellow leaders may serve him well. He is expected to remain an MP for now, although some local Labour members fear a by-election in Holborn and St Pancras could be won by the Greens. Starmer sees his central legacy as having restored Labour's electoral prospects after the Jeremy Corbyn era, while allies expect him to advise his successor privately rather than emulate Tony Blair's public interventions. His immediate challenge will be adjusting to life outside government and spending more time with his wife and children.

Andy Burnham’s rapid transition toward becoming prime minister has prompted concern among Labour MPs about his preparedness, despite his team’s confidence in his clarity of purpose and long-term planning. His by-election victory in Makerfield solidified his political return, triggering internal negotiations, access talks with the civil service, and the formation of a tightly controlled transition operation. Burnham has begun outlining his agenda, including a major push to devolve power through his proposed No 10 North initiative, while keeping cabinet decisions sealed. Although early criticism has emerged over his limited media engagement and internal tensions within his policy team, allies argue he remains calm, decisive, and focused on reshaping political culture. The upcoming week is viewed as a pivotal moment as he finalizes appointments and introduces initial policies amid market sensitivity and party unease over the compressed preparation period.

Keir Starmer has appointed London mayor Sadiq Khan to the House of Lords among 26 new peers, just before Starmer is expected to leave office. The appointment could allow Khan to join Andy Burnham’s cabinet, although Khan is reportedly focused on completing his mayoral term and has no current desire to become a minister. The decision may face criticism because Starmer has already appointed 66 peers and previously opposed resignation honours, while supporters say the appointments help rebalance a Conservative-dominated Lords. Khan’s office said his priority remains delivering a fairer, safer and greener London.

Keir Starmer has awarded peerages to 26 people, including London mayor Sadiq Khan, shortly before leaving Downing Street. Khan is not currently seeking a ministerial role in Andy Burnham’s incoming government, while the appointments have prompted criticism from Reform UK over its exclusion. The live blog also covers Burnham’s impending premiership, Labour’s proposed reorganisation of English local government, major cuts to overseas aid, MI5’s misconduct involving a neo-Nazi informant, a proposed ban on the loudest fireworks, and the nationalisation of British Steel. The UK economy grew by 0.1% in May, and Starmer announced further support for Ukraine and investment linked to Swedish fighter-jet production.

Shabana Mahmood is expected by senior Labour figures to become Andy Burnham’s chancellor, amid concerns that appointing Ed Miliband could unsettle markets and provoke criticism. Miliband’s supporters argue he offers the economic vision needed to challenge Treasury norms, while opponents fear negative reactions from business and unions. Burnham’s final cabinet decisions remain unconfirmed, though Miliband may instead move to the Foreign Office. Market reactions favored Mahmood as a steadier choice, and she is seen as aligned with Burnham on issues such as fiscal devolution. If appointed, her first tasks would include preparing an emergency cost-of-living package and shaping the autumn budget. Internal Labour tensions persist as allies of Miliband accuse opponents of sabotaging his chances, while other MPs emphasize the need for experience and stability in the Treasury role. Burnham is expected to make broader cabinet changes as he prepares to take office.

The passage of the Hillsborough law marks a symbolic shift in political authority within Labour, reflecting Andy Burnham's rising influence as Keir Starmer prepares to step down. Starmer accelerates key policy initiatives, including a defence investment plan, a social media ban for under‑16s, and support for Ukraine, while abroad he works to manage diplomatic relationships. Burnham asserts his presence through immigration policy positions and signals of future priorities. The legislation highlights the transition toward Burnham’s leadership and his wider vision of strengthening accountability and shifting power toward the public.

Andy Burnham secured 349 nominations from Labour MPs, eliminating the possibility of a leadership challenge and positioning him to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister. He pledged a unifying cabinet, greater devolution and a focus on cost of living, while addressing concerns over regional favoritism. Burnham praised Starmer’s achievements and called for party unity ahead of the transition. Starmer’s resignation schedule has shifted due to England’s World Cup run, and additional MPs, including key allies, added their support for Burnham.

Keir Starmer indicated he may issue resignation honours despite having previously opposed the practice, declining twice to rule it out while attending a Nato summit in Ankara. The issue contrasts with his earlier criticism of Rishi Sunak for approving honours lists from Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Andy Burnham has secured overwhelming support in the Labour leadership contest, effectively guaranteeing his succession as prime minister. Senior Labour figures have already nominated Burnham, and he has additional backing from key unions. Starmer expressed confidence that Burnham will succeed in the role.

The UK prime minister plans to grant a bank holiday if England win the 2026 World Cup, likely scheduling it for 24 July to allow the team’s return and a London victory parade. England advance toward a quarter‑final match against Norway, with potential clashes against Argentina and France ahead. The prime minister declined to intervene with Fifa over a red card but challenged a proposed scheduling change through diplomatic channels. A leadership transition is expected before any celebrations, positioning Andy Burnham to host the team at No 10 if England triumph.

Donald Trump agreed to stay in contact with Keir Starmer following their meeting at the NATO summit in Ankara, despite recent tensions between the two leaders. Trump thanked the UK for its long-term defence contributions, avoiding expected criticism over spending. Starmer declined to respond to Trump's recent attacks and emphasised improvements in the UK’s economy, public services and international standing. He reiterated caution over altering fiscal rules to fund increased defence spending, while senior defence officials suggested the next government may explore additional options such as war bonds. Starmer also revealed that President Erdoğan gifted summit leaders engraved revolvers, though UK law prevented him from bringing his home.

Nato leaders at a summit in Ankara informally agreed to avoid mentioning Belgium’s World Cup victory over the United States to prevent irritating President Donald Trump as they attempt to keep him supportive of the alliance amid tensions around defence spending. Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever acknowledged the sensitivity following a dispute over Trump’s request that Fifa review a red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun. Trump has not commented on the US team’s elimination, while leaders including Keir Starmer engaged in light football‑related exchanges during the summit.

Donald Trump renewed his call for the United States to take control of Greenland as he arrived at the Nato summit in Ankara, linking past disagreements over the territory to strains within the alliance. He also warned that the US could withdraw troops from Europe, criticizing European immigration and energy policies as well as defence spending levels. Trump suggested European reluctance to support the US in the Iran war had weakened his commitment to the alliance and tied Keir Starmer’s political downfall to the UK’s stance on the conflict. UK chancellor Rachel Reeves rejected Trump’s Greenland proposal, affirming that the territory’s future rests with Greenland and Denmark. European governments continue efforts to boost defence cooperation amid ongoing pressure from Washington.

Keir Starmer plans to coordinate with European leaders at the Nato summit in Ankara to address Donald Trump’s concerns over defence spending and to reinforce a more European-oriented alliance. The UK rejects US criticism over its defence contributions while highlighting its commitment to increased spending. With heightened Russian military activity and tensions over Trump’s stance on Nato, Starmer aims to reassure partners and present plans for fairer burden sharing before leaving office. US–UK engagement is expected to be limited, with Trump focusing on broader assessments of allies’ military commitments.

Andy Burnham’s evolving communication strategy emphasizes direct engagement with the public through social media, AMAs and broadcast interviews while limiting traditional press questioning. His team cites logistical pressures and a desire to control messaging as drivers of this approach, while critics argue it avoids scrutiny. Advisors describe Burnham’s style as more natural and relatable than his predecessors, shaped by his years as mayor. As he prepares for potential leadership, his communications team is expanding to manage the demands of Downing Street, though observers note his methods may face tougher tests when political pressures intensify.

Labour officials are being urged to address discontent among party members over the likelihood that Andy Burnham will become leader without a contest. Plans such as booking Everton’s stadium for an announcement before nominations open have raised concerns about a presumptive coronation. The NEC and trade unions are seeking adjustments to increase member and union involvement, including allowing unions to express endorsements earlier and organising online Q&A sessions. MPs report significant frustration from members over both Keir Starmer’s removal and the perceived lack of democracy, despite general affection for Burnham. He is expected to secure overwhelming parliamentary support and become Labour leader on 17 July, before entering No 10 on 20 July.

Andy Burnham’s first major speech since returning to Westminster outlines plans to devolve power through a proposed No 10 in the North and invest in regenerating neglected towns, drawing comparisons to the previous government’s levelling-up agenda and raising questions about his ability to deliver meaningful change.

Andy Burnham seeks to redefine Labour’s prospects by offering stronger communication, clearer arguments and a sense of optimism that many MPs felt had been lacking under Keir Starmer. His speech in Manchester emphasized political system failures, the need for major devolution and the promise of renewed hope for neglected regions. Early polling shows a modest improvement for Labour with Burnham as prospective leader, but questions remain about his political judgment, capacity to execute his agenda and willingness to face scrutiny. His reputation for advocating for ordinary people fuels expectations as he prepares to enter Downing Street.

Andy Burnham outlined a plan to restructure the UK by expanding devolution, increasing public control of essential services and launching major programmes in housing, education and cost-of-living support. He vowed to maintain fiscal discipline while pushing for reforms to reduce regional inequality, including establishing a No 10 North hub in Manchester. Burnham committed to fostering cross-party cooperation, easing adversarial governance within Whitehall and ensuring procurement benefits domestic industries. His proposals received mixed political reactions, with Nato expressing confidence in future defence commitments and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warning of economic uncertainty.

Experts warn that the UK’s state threats bill could expose journalists and NGOs to terrorism charges for interacting with sources linked to designated state-backed groups such as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. David Anderson and Jonathan Hall argue that missing safeguards, particularly around receiving information deemed a material benefit, risk criminalising reporting and humanitarian work. Press freedom advocates urge explicit legal protections rather than reliance on prosecutorial discretion, while the Home Office insists the bill will not undermine journalism or humanitarian engagement.

Andy Burnham has asked Greater Manchester Combined Authority chief executive Caroline Simpson to serve as deputy chief of staff and lead a new No 10 North office if he becomes prime minister. Simpson would oversee the devolution agenda aimed at expanding public ownership, reindustrialising regions, and regenerating towns. Known for implementing Burnham’s vision in Greater Manchester and managing major regional budgets, she has risen quickly through local government roles. Her move would leave the authority seeking another chief executive amid a major byelection. Burnham continues to assemble his senior team as part of his plan to overhaul the UK’s centralised governance system.

Andy Burnham outlines plans to establish No 10 North as a central hub for a major devolution programme, arguing that the Westminster system is broken and must be restructured to raise living standards and restore trust in politics. He sets priorities including expanding public ownership of essential utilities, reindustrialising neglected regions, and launching the largest council housebuilding effort since the postwar era. Burnham signals early cost of living support, commits to fiscal discipline, and promises a broad, less factional Labour approach while emphasising collaboration across parties. He calls for a generational rethink on education and imagines a country designed to work for ordinary people.

Andy Burnham sets out a devolution-focused agenda, criticising the Westminster system as ineffective and proposing a “No 10 North,” expanded council housebuilding, and broad regional economic growth. Commentary examines the implications of his first major speech as an MP and prime minister‑in‑waiting, exploring his political direction and economic ambitions.

Andy Burnham prepares to outline a 10‑year programme focused on devolving significant powers from Whitehall to local communities, aiming to reduce regional inequality and promote locally driven economic growth. His plan includes potential tax powers for local authorities, a national version of his Makerfield test, and a shift toward long‑term governance through reindustrialisation, housing, infrastructure investment and enhanced public procurement rules. Labour MPs watch for indications of his choice for chancellor, with Ed Miliband seen as the frontrunner amid concerns about market reactions. Burnham signals adherence to Labour’s fiscal rules while promoting a broader cultural reset in politics prioritising place‑based decision‑making and public trust.

Lucy Powell indicated support for Ed Miliband as a potential chancellor under Andy Burnham while acknowledging that cabinet speculation is unhelpful. Miliband is considered a frontrunner but faces concerns from within Labour and business over his economic stance and focus on net zero. Burnham is expected to emphasise fiscal responsibility in his upcoming speech and has yet to decide on the Treasury appointment. Alternatives such as Shabana Mahmood, Wes Streeting, Yvette Cooper and John Healey have been mentioned. Powell and Steve Reed reinforced commitments to the 2024 manifesto and ruled out calling a general election, stressing unity and a shift toward devolving powers and strengthening community control.

The UK’s former defence chief Tony Radakin warned that forthcoming defence spending plans must satisfy a “Moscow test” to deter Russian threats, saying current commitments fall short and may force additional funding during the next parliament. Andy Burnham may need to reassess the defence investment plan despite recent negotiations that secured around £14bn, though major spending gaps remain. The plan is expected to include new hybrid warships and increased focus on autonomous systems as the UK seeks to modernise capabilities amid NATO pressure to raise defence spending. Concerns persist over the UK’s low ranking in NATO capability tables and the heavy financial burden of nuclear programmes.