Burnham pledges unity as he becomes Labour leader
8 reported
Andy Burnham has pledged to lead a united Labour government free of infighting and factional politics as he took over as leader, according to a single-source report from The Guardian. Burnham, who will become prime minister on Monday, set out a leftwing vision for Britain, promising to undo Thatcherism, bring in more public ownership, fix social care, and build council homes. He also insisted he would be “pro-business,” as he was as mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham argued his election was the most significant change in British politics in 40 years and said this was the “last chance” for Labour to get things right. He appealed for unity to “beat Britain’s new right,” stating, “Factionalism has bedevilled us. Today we moved beyond it.” However, tensions are already emerging over his choice of key cabinet members, with Shabana Mahmood as the frontrunner for chancellor ahead of the left’s choice, Ed Miliband.
What’s reported
Burnham will become prime minister on Monday after Keir Starmer visits Buckingham Palace to hand over the role.
He was confirmed as leader at a special party conference in London on Friday.
Shabana Mahmood, on the Blue Labour right of the party, is the frontrunner for chancellor, ahead of Ed Miliband.
Other potential appointments include Jonathan Reynolds for a bigger business department, Wes Streeting for defence secretary, and Angela Rayner for health secretary.
Burnham won overwhelming support from MPs, trade unions, and party branches, making him the only choice to take over from Starmer.
Labour MPs ousted Starmer partly because of low poll standings, with the government trailing Reform UK and at times neck and neck with the Conservatives.
Nigel Farage criticized Burnham as “vacuous” and “the great chameleon of British politics.”
Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative party chair, said Burnham should come to parliament and explain his plan.
Key figures
Andy Burnham: Labour leader and incoming prime minister
Shabana Mahmood: Chair of party’s ruling executive, frontrunner for chancellor
Ed Miliband: Left’s choice for chancellor
Jonathan Reynolds: Current chief whip, potential business department head
Wes Streeting: Potential defence secretary
Angela Rayner: Potential health secretary
Keir Starmer: Outgoing prime minister and Labour leader
Nigel Farage: Reform UK leader
Kevin Hollinrake: Conservative party chair
David Blunkett, Neil Kinnock, Margaret Beckett: Labour figures Burnham thanked
Sources: The Guardian
