Andy Burnham becomes Labour leader

Burnham‘s appointment as Labour leader follows the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister and leader of the party on 22 June. Burnham emerged today (17 July) as the sole leadership candidate after securing 379 nominations from fellow Labour MPs. In his first speech as Labour leader at a special party conference held today in central London, Burnham thanked his fellow MPs for their support and said he is “ready” to lead the party. Burnham also insisted that he is yet to make a final decision on who will be in his cabinet, following speculation that home secretary Shabana Mahmood could become his chancellor. “I will lead this party in that spirit, not seeking to suspend or punish members who have principled views that may be different from mine, but building unity by respecting all shades of opinion,” Burnham said during his speech. Advertisement “And contrary to what you may keep on reading, I haven’t made any decisions yet about who will be in that top team, but I will soon,” he added. The process for Burnham to become prime minister will begin on Monday (20 July), following Starmer‘s meeting with King Charles at Buckingham Palace to formally resign as current prime minister. King Charles will later meet with Burnham and ask him to form a government. This comes after Burnham made his first major policy speech in Manchester on 29 June after being made MP amid his bid to succeed Starmer. During the speech, Burnham laid out his plans for leadership and noted that Westminster and Whitehall require “radical change”. Advertisement High street businesses are at the forefront of his agenda, with his plans including a major reform to business rates, a “rethink” of the education system, a focus on tackling the youth unemployment crisis and a bid to shine the spotlight on British manufacturers. Ahead of his appointment as prime minister, the British Retail Consortium launched its new Buy into Retail Manifesto yesterday (16 July), calling on Burnham to work with retailers and support reforms particularly in relation to employment costs, business rates, energy and regulation. “Our manifesto offers a path for Mr Burnham to support the millions of people that rely on retail every day,” said BRC CEO Helen Dickinson. Andy Burnham’s leadership agenda: - Creation of Manchester-based “No 10 North” – a devolution of power away from Westminster - Major reform of business rates to support high street businesses - The “biggest council house building programme since the post-war period” - Plans to “sovereign manufacturing” capabilities and put British manufacturers at the forefront of new technology and global exporting - A “rethink” of the education system, with clearer paths for young people to enter the workforce - Change to the political culture of Westminster - Reduction in welfare spending Have your say or a new account to join the discussion.