Andy Burnham is gearing up to present his national vision in his inaugural address as the Prime Minister within the next 24 hours. Following his entrance through the renowned black door on Monday, the fresh Labour leader will be greeted by officials and an array of congratulatory calls from global leaders.
In addition to revealing the composition of his Cabinet, Burnham will receive briefings on national security and the economic situation from his new team at No10. Nevertheless, he will need to address lingering challenges and issues from the previous administration that demand careful attention.
The Mirror examines some of the obstacles awaiting the new Prime Minister. Anticipate a flurry of announcements from Downing Street in the aftermath of Burnham’s initial speech to the nation, as he constructs his top team. While speculation has been rife in Westminster, especially regarding the Chancellor position, Burnham has maintained secrecy over the Cabinet roles.
The incoming administration is expected to include familiar faces like Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood, and Yvette Cooper, alongside the return of senior Labour figures such as Angela Rayner and Louise Haigh. Burnham’s primary focus will be providing relief to people grappling with the rising cost of living, as conveyed in his upcoming address.
He aims to swiftly implement policies to ease the financial burden on individuals. Speculation suggests potential plans to reduce bills by £130 annually, a move that would be welcomed by many financially strained households. Addressing the crisis at Thames Water may serve as one of the initial tests for the incoming Prime Minister.
Burnham has expressed interest in exploring public ownership of water companies as a viable option. Furthermore, he intends to tackle issues related to sickness and disability benefits with a different approach from the previous government. The new leader is committed to avoiding harsh cuts and is considering a review of the PIP system.
One of Burnham’s imminent challenges will be supporting the significant number of young individuals not engaged in education, employment, or training, known as NEETs. The outcome of the Greater Manchester Mayoral by-election, scheduled just ten days after Burnham assumes office, will be a critical electoral test.
Looking ahead, the Budget under Burnham’s government in the autumn will be a pivotal moment, with a focus on filling financial gaps and addressing tax policies. Burnham aims to foster unity within the Labour Party, steering clear of internal conflicts. However, disagreements over key issues, such as immigration reforms and oil drilling in the North Sea, could present early challenges for the new administration.