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

The Guardian Politics

‘It becomes inevitable’: the toxic mix fuelling deadly political violence around world

After killing of a British former MP, experts say dehumanising rhetoric, declining institutional trust and disinformation fuelling a global problemOn 9 July, the body of Ann Widdecombe, an uncompromising, staunchly conservative former UK government minister turned TV personality and spokesperson for the radical-right Reform UK party, was found at her home in south-west England.Two days later, a man was arrested in South Yorkshire. Believed to be previously unknown to the local police force and t

politics  Jul 18, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Burnham expected to reverse ban on new oil and gas drilling

Incoming prime minister likely to reverse manifesto pledge and allow new North Sea licences, reports sayAndy Burnham is expected to relax the government’s restrictions on new oil and gas drilling when he becomes prime minister, according to reports.A decision to grant new licences for the practice in the North Sea would mark a departure from Labour’s 2024 manifesto, in which it pledged to honour existing licences but not issue new ones. Continue reading...

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling

Drilling has become a controversial topic for the Labour party after the 2024 manifesto pledged to not issue new licences.

politics  Jul 18, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Six political headaches Andy Burnham must tackle in his first weeks as PM

From dealing with Trump to easing cost of living, the incoming prime minister is mulling his approach to contentious issuesWhen Labour was preparing for power in 2024, Keir Starmer’s then chief of staff, Sue Gray, compiled what one Labour official called her “shit list” – a dossier of immediate fires the government would have to put out.Gray is back, advising Starmer’s successor, Andy Burnham, in an unofficial capacity. And yet again, she is advising an incoming prime minister on how to deal wit

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Lib Dems urge FA and Uefa to withdraw from Fifa

Sir Ed Davey says Gianni Infantino and world football's governing body is "destroying the integrity of the beautiful game".

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Profile

Andy Burnham's new chief of staff.

politics  Jul 18, 2026