Sophie Wingate

Andy Burnham is expected to present Parliament with findings from a review of the prisoner early release scheme when it returns in two weeks. The review follows pressure to prevent Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, two of Pc Andrew Harper’s killers, from being released next year after serving half of their 13-year sentences. Burnham declined to confirm whether prisoners convicted of unlawful act manslaughter would be exempted, calling the reports speculation. Former lord chief justice Lord Thomas said such a distinction could be legally workable, although identifying the relevant convictions from prison records may be difficult. The Ministry of Justice said it is fast-tracking measures to keep more serious offenders behind bars while expanding prison capacity, electronic tagging and probation services.

Several senior Labour ministers, including David Lammy, Rachel Reeves and Steve Reed, have left their positions as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham begins forming his Cabinet. Reeves declined an alternative senior role, Lammy announced his departure publicly, and Reed expressed disappointment while emphasising loyalty to Keir Starmer. Additional departures include Peter Kyle, Liz Kendall, Lord Hermer, Jo Stevens and others, while figures such as John Healey, Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood were seen entering Downing Street, signalling incoming appointments.

Lucy Powell said anonymous and disproportionately anti‑woman briefings in Downing Street under Keir Starmer reflected a factional “boys club” culture that she expects Andy Burnham to end. She noted that Burnham pledged to dismiss anyone involved in negative briefings, as attention grows over his cabinet choices and gender balance. Burnham outlined policy priorities in social media Q&A sessions, while Starmer defended his record, expressed support for his successor and highlighted achievements such as tackling antisemitism, winning the 2024 election and lifting the two‑child benefit cap.

Steve Reed endorsed Andy Burnham’s commitment to accelerate devolution, highlighting progress already made under Keir Starmer’s government and supporting plans to establish a No 10 hub in Manchester. He rejected claims that devolution had moved too slowly and dismissed suggestions that his forthcoming speech was an attempt to secure a future cabinet post. Reed contrasted Labour’s approach with the former Conservative levelling-up agenda and expressed confidence in Burnham’s strong support within the Parliamentary Labour Party as he prepares to take office.