Burnham to be named UK PM with policy shake-up and cabinet reshuffle

Andy Burnham will formally become the UK’s prime minister on Monday after King Charles III invites him to form a government, marking another chapter in a period of political upheaval that has seen seven prime ministers in a decade.

The former Greater Manchester mayor succeeds Keir Starmer, who resigned after two years in office following mounting political pressure. Burnham will travel to Buckingham Palace after Starmer formally tenders his resignation before delivering his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, where he is expected to outline plans to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, revive economic growth and devolve more power away from Westminster.

The 56-year-old inherits an economy weighed down by sluggish growth since the pandemic; however, it outperformed the Eurozone and the G7 economies in the first quarter of 2026.

The Bank of England base rate is expected to rise again this year to combat inflation, which could have a negative impact on borrowing costs, plus there is pressure on public finances and rising support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, leaving Burnham little time to convince voters his government can change course before the next general election.

What are Andy Burnham’s policies?

Burnham has been criticised for offering vague details of his plans for the country during his first speech after announcing his intentions to become the new Labour leader.

As no other MP challenged him, he has avoided the usual scrutiny from televised debates and hustings.

In that speech, he promised what he calls a “rewiring” of Britain, arguing that political and economic power has become too concentrated in London. He has pledged to give regional leaders greater powers, describing devolution as central to boosting growth and improving public services.

His immediate priorities are expected to focus on easing pressure from the cost-of-living crisis, strengthening economic growth and improving living standards.

Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell said “It’s about giving ordinary people security in work, security in their home, a home they can afford and live in a community that they can feel proud of and knowing that their children are going to have opportunity for the future.”

Burnham has already announced his first policy change by cancelling Starmer’s proposed nationwide digital identity scheme, estimated to cost £1.8 billion (€2.12 billion) over three years. His team said the money would instead be redirected towards helping households with living costs. He has also signalled a willingness to pursue greater public oversight of struggling utilities such as Thames Water, which is estimated to have €23.5 billion of debt.

Why does he have to meet the King?

Under Britain’s constitutional monarchy, a new prime minister can only take office after being invited by the monarch to form a government.

The transition begins when the outgoing prime minister visits Buckingham Palace to resign. Once that resignation has been accepted, the King invites the new leader—normally the person most likely to command a majority in the House of Commons—to form an administration.

The ceremony, traditionally known as “kissing hands”, is largely symbolic today but reflects the constitutional principle that governments are appointed by the Crown while exercising power on behalf of Parliament. After leaving Buckingham Palace, the new prime minister travels to Downing Street to deliver their first address to the nation.

Who will be in Andy Burnham’s cabinet?

Burnham is expected to unveil his senior ministerial team on Monday after taking office, although he declined to confirm any appointments over the weekend, saying only that he was still “finalising” his choices.

The biggest unanswered question surrounds the role of chancellor. Rachel Reeves is the incumbent, but many predict the loyal Starmer supporter will be one of the first to be replaced. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has emerged as the leading contender according to media reports, while Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has also been widely discussed as a possible senior cabinet figure.

Other senior ministers, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, are also expected to retain influential roles, while many have speculated there will be a return for Angela Rayner, who resigned over an unpaid tax bill in 2025.

The full make-up of Burnham’s cabinet will only become clear once appointments are formally announced after he enters Downing Street.

Additional sources • AFP

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