Andy Burnham will spend the weekend preparing to become Britain’s next prime minister, with allies promising a “dynamic start” to his government and measures aimed at easing pressure on household finances.
The Labour leader is due to take office on Monday after Keir Starmer visits Buckingham Palace to formally offer his resignation to King Charles.
Burnham will then meet the King and be invited to form a government before travelling to Downing Street, where he is expected to address the country and outline his priorities for the new administration.
Allies say his early focus will be on giving households greater “breathing space” amid the cost-of-living pressures facing many families. His first speech as Labour leader described the party as facing its “last chance to change”, while promising to “bring back hope”.
Burnham is also expected to make the devolution of political power a central theme of his premiership. His plans include shifting decision-making away from Whitehall and giving greater authority to regions across the UK.
The approach is expected to be symbolised by the creation of a ‘Number 10 North’ base in Manchester, which Burnham is expected to visit during his first week in office.
His allies have said the new government will seek to introduce policies that deliver visible improvements to people’s daily lives and demonstrate that political change can produce tangible results quickly.
The formation of Burnham’s Cabinet remains a major focus in Westminster. The incoming prime minister said he was still “finalising” his ministerial appointments amid speculation about who will become chancellor.
Some figures on Labour’s left have reportedly backed Ed Miliband for the key position, while other reports have suggested Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood could be given the role.
Burnham pushed back against the speculation, saying there had been “too much” discussion about Cabinet appointments before decisions had been finalised.
“I am finalising those decisions, and I will come to conclusions very shortly, and then I will announce those on Monday,” he said.
The incoming prime minister has already begun receiving national security briefings as he prepares to take office. He has also held discussions with officials about his priorities and the first engagements he will undertake after entering Downing Street.
The transition is expected to move quickly once Starmer formally resigns on Monday. Burnham will then face the immediate task of assembling his government and turning campaign promises into policy.
With the cost of living and regional devolution expected to dominate his early message, allies say the new administration wants to establish a clear sense of urgency from its first day in office. The first week will offer an early indication of how Burnham intends to govern and whether his pledge of rapid, practical change can be delivered.
