Andy Burnham will scrap Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial digital ID programme when he enters Downing Street and instead direct resources at “people’s everyday priorities”. The killing off of a policy which had ignited intense opposition will disappoint former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, whose institute has championed this form of identity verification.

Mr Burnham’s team says the decision is part of a reset of priorities with a new focus on “improving everyday life and strengthening local economies over expensive national Government schemes”.

A spokesperson for Andy Burnham said: “One of the first things this Government will do is put its focus where people need it right now: creating breathing space and delivering change they can feel in their everyday lives. That means all the time and resource that was going to be spent on a national ID scheme will go instead to where it’s most needed, such as helping with the cost of living. This Government is determined to bring power back to communities, instead of hoarding it in Whitehall. We will work every day to lift this country back up to where it belongs – with growth in every postcode, and hope in every heart.”

His team insists the Government will continue to crack down on illegal working, with right to work checks remaining mandatory for all employers.

These checks will be extended to cover the gig economy and zero-hours workers in construction, food delivery, beauty, courier services and warehousing through the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.