Politics LIVE: Keir Starmer to make final speech as Andy Burnham becomes PM

Britain is set for a change of government this Monday as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to leave office. The outgoing Prime Minister is expected to address journalists outside Downing Street at approximately 11:15 am before traveling to Buckingham Palace to offer his formal resignation to the King.

Following this, Andy Burnham will travel to the Palace to kiss hands with the monarch and accept the invitation to form a government. Mr Burnham is scheduled to deliver his first address to the nation outside No 10 at about 12:40 pm. He is the latest figure to assume the role in a decade that has seen seven prime ministers.

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Mr Burnham’s inaugural speech is expected to focus on themes of reflection and resolution. According to reports, he will acknowledge the volatility of recent years and pledge to foster more stable and responsible politics. Allies have indicated that he intends to argue for political stability that delivers tangible improvements, with a particular focus on providing households with breathing room amidst cost-of-living pressures.

Policy Priorities

The incoming administration has already signaled several areas of reform. Mr Burnham intends to scrap the digital ID programme introduced under Sir Keir Starmer, with the aim of reallocating resources toward the cost of living. Housing remains a central focus, with commitments to launch what has been described as the largest council house building programme since the post-war period.

Regarding energy, while the Labour manifesto previously opposed new North Sea drilling licenses, Mr Burnham has expressed an open mind on the matter. This has prompted international comment, with US President Donald Trump claiming that the new Prime Minister would open oil fields all the way. Additionally, Mr Burnham faces pressure to address the debt of Thames Water, with reports suggesting he may consider placing the utility into a special administration regime.

Social care reform is also on the agenda, with Mr Burnham characterising the existing system as the worst of all worlds and vowing to grasp the nettle of its overhaul. His devolution plans, dubbed No 10 North, aim to relocate portions of the prime ministerial office to Manchester to shift power away from Westminster.

Cabinet and Political Reaction

Speculation continues regarding the composition of the new Cabinet, with decisions expected by Monday afternoon. Reports suggest a contest for the role of Chancellor between Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Mr Burnham has stated that he has not yet finalized his choices for the top team.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has warned against potential tax increases, arguing that the new government lacks a mandate for such measures. Meanwhile, Reform Party leader Nigel Farage has called for an immediate general election, citing concerns over government legitimacy. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has urged the new Prime Minister to treat social care reform as an urgent priority, warning that failure to act would be a catastrophe for families and the NHS.

Schedule of Events