Sir Keir Starmer last year polled as the UK’s most unpopular prime minister on record.
Andy Burnham is replacing Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham is replacing Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street after a turbulent two years in power. Mr Burnham, fresh from winning the Makerfield by-election less than five weeks ago, has vowed to give people “breathing room” against the rising cost of living during his time in Number 10.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester has promised a “reset of priorities” which includes scrapping Sir Keir’s flagship digital ID programme. Mr Burnham will be hoping for better fortunes than in his predecessor who last year polled as the UK’s most unpopular prime minister on record. So what do you think? Do you think Burnham will be better or worse than Starmer?
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The arrival of Mr Burnham at Number 10 represents the UK’s fifth PM in four years.
In his first speech as PM, Mr Burnham will say he is “acutely conscious” of the high turnover in power and stress the need for more stable and responsible politics, as well as pledging to restore faith in government.
Allies of Mr Burnham said he will argue on Monday that political stability must deliver “tangible” improvements along with the “breathing room” on the cost of living he has previously promised.
Before the speech, Sir Keir is expected to make his own address outside No 10 before heading to Buckingham Palace to formally resign before Mr Burnham meets the King to “kiss hands” and be appointed prime minister.
Following his speech, Mr Burnham is expected to name his cabinet.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband or Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood are believed to have been in the frame to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor.
It is suggested Ms Mahmood is expected to get the nod, with Mr Miliband now in line for the top job in the Foreign Office.
The department is reportedly set to undergo a major shake-up, including plans to see a return to spending 0.7% of GDP on international aid.
According to The Independent, senior party sources have said “lieutenants of Andy Burnham” have been reaching out to expertise within Labour over how to revamp the Foreign Office.
While Mr Burnham is yet to set out much of his ambitions for his premiership, he has made it clear he wants to devolve power away from Westminster as one of his key priorities.
Driving that agenda is a new “No 10 North” in Manchester, which he is expected to visit later in the week.
Mr Burnham is also expected to announce more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea as part of action on energy bills to help with the cost of living.
