The Guardian Politics

Retired UK civil servants failed by pension outsourcing, government says

Chaos of Capita-run scheme has left some people waiting up to a year for payments and in financial hardshipRetired civil servants have been failed by the decision to outsource their pension scheme, the government has admitted, and the maladministration meant some were left waiting up to a year for payments.Multiple members of the civil service pension scheme, run by the private company Capita since December, have come forward to say they are unable to afford rent and have been forced to use food

politics  6d ago

BBC Politics

Chris Mason: Burnham is fifth PM in four years - now he'll try to buck the trend

Determined to hit the ground running, the former mayor hopes to maintain the leadership style he adopted in Manchester.

politics  6d ago

BBC Politics

Burnham to promise 'more breathing room' in first speech as PM

The Labour leader will say he is "acutely conscious" of the UK's high turnover of prime ministers, as he becomes the seventh in 10 years on Monday.

politics  Jul 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Thames Water lenders preparing legal challenge in event of Burnham nationalisation

The BBC understands creditors would would pursue payment in full of the outstanding debts, in the multi-billions of pounds.

politics  Jul 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Burnham’s vow to end Labour briefing wars will test his grip on the party

Tensions between his aims are already there, including disputes over key appointments such as chancellorAndy Burnham’s vision for cleaning up Westminster politics is a utopian one: ending the dominance of the whipping system, Whitehall power hoarding and the “insidious briefing culture” of the bubble.In his first speech on becoming Labour leader, he warned his party it “won’t beat Britain’s new right if we are consumed by infighting and pulling in different directions”. Continue reading...

politics  Jul 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Ella Baron on the revolving door of Downing Street – cartoon

Continue reading...

politics  Jul 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Fossil fuels, utilities and housing: what we know about Andy Burnham’s plans

Incoming prime minister has set out distinctly leftwing vision while also promising to be pro-businessAs an incoming prime minister promising huge change, one of the strongest criticisms Andy Burnham has faced so far is that he has failed to provide the details of what he plans to do.The new Labour leader, who will be made prime minister on Monday, has thus far set out a distinctly leftwing vision, while also pledging to be “pro-business”. Continue reading...

politics  Jul 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Andy Burnham to Scrap Digital ID Plans

He will take over at Number 10 tomorrow with plans to focus on tackling the cost of living

politics  Jul 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

As Andy Burnham enters No 10, what of his ‘bezzie mate’ Steve Rotheram?

A longstanding bromance means the Liverpool regional major very much has the ear of the soon-to-be PMWhen a new prime minister enters Downing Street, observers usually look to those around the cabinet table to see where influence lies. With Andy Burnham, they should look 200 miles north – not to Manchester, but Liverpool.Steve Rotheram, the mayor of Liverpool city region, may not have a formal role in government but he has a strong claim to having the closest personal bond to the incoming prime

politics  Jul 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

From leftwing voters to unions: can Burnham win back Labour bases lost by Starmer? – visualised

As Andy Burnham enters No 10, Guardian data analysis reveals the fissures with Labour’s traditional supporters, and the traps the new PM will want to avoidKeir Starmer entered 10 Downing St on a wave of optimism after a landslide victory in the 2024 general election. His Labour party had overturned a defeat in 2019 in which the party crashed to its worst result since 1935. Labour won 412 seats, just a few shy of the 418 won by Tony Blair in 1997, a result that gave Labour a leader in office for

politics  Jul 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham will be bolder but stick to Labour manifesto, deputy leader says

Meanwhile Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch says Burnham is a "people pleaser", ahead of him becoming prime minister on Monday.

politics  Jul 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

The Andy Burnham I’ve met over the past 20 years gives me hope for British politics | John Harris

You hear the word ‘empathy’ a lot when people talk about our next prime minister. I can see whyMy contribution to this summer’s modest avalanche of Andy Burnham stories extends to only two. One is about Glastonbury, and the time that he and his wife, Marie-France, came for a three-day stay at the festival, which included his appearance on the Left Field stage, organised by the songwriter and activist Billy Bragg. I help with the bookings and chair some of the debate sessions: Burnham’s was title

politics  Jul 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Chinese firm seeks compensation over British Steel nationalisation

Jingye said it will take action "through legal means to the very end" after the UK government nationalised British Steel.

politics  Jul 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Is Burnham promising a new dawn for North Sea oil and gas?

The incoming PM is expected to announce fresh support for the North Sea from day one of his premiership.

politics  Jul 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Here be dragons: does moving power to the north work?

Andy Burnham’s recent promise to create a ‘No 10 North’ echoes BBC’s successful Out of London planWhen the BBC first announced its intention to move a significant chunk of its operation to Salford in Greater Manchester – the “Out of London” plan, as the then director general Mark Thompson called it in 2004, with a faint “here be dragons” whiff – there were plenty in the organisation who were scornful that it could ever work.Senior staff would never leave the capital. Star talent wouldn’t dream o

politics  Jul 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

‘Good growth in every postcode’: Burnham’s economic to-do list in seven charts

From industrial strategy and defence to housing and living costs, we lay out the challenges facing the new PMAndy Burnham becomes prime minister as Britain contends with a series of global economic shocks and years of weak growth in living standards, fuelled by underinvestment and deep regional divisions.Before his arrival in Downing Street, the Labour leader pledged to deliver “good growth in every postcode” by transferring power from Westminster to local communities. But with the public financ

politics  Jul 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Can Burnham's casual style survive contact with No 10?

When Burnham becomes PM, he'll find it harder to wear the wardrobe that's central to his political brand.

politics  Jul 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Andy Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on cost of living in first major policy pledge

A spokesperson for the incoming prime minister says his Government would “put its focus where people need it right now”.

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham is 'people pleaser' with 'airy fairy' plans, says Kemi Badenoch

Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, the Conservative leader accused the incoming PM of not knowing "what the country's priorities are".

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Ruthless plotter or dad dancer? Insiders reveal the real Andy Burnham

Who is the real Andy Burnham? Laura Kuenssberg talks to more than 20 people who know him to work it out

politics  Jul 18, 2026