Andy Burnham will remain committed to Labour’s 2024 election manifesto but plans to take a “bolder and more ambitious” approach when he becomes the United Kingdom’s next prime minister, according to Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell.
Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Powell said Burnham’s leadership would focus on tackling the country’s biggest challenges, particularly the rising cost of living and economic pressures facing households.
Burnham is set to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday after meeting King Charles III, beginning a new chapter for the Labour government.
The incoming prime minister has promised significant changes to the way government operates, including transferring more power from Westminster to local authorities and increasing public control over essential services.
Powell insisted that Burnham would not abandon Labour’s 2024 manifesto commitments, but would push further to deliver the party’s promises.
“Our manifesto did talk about the redistribution of power, it did talk about the rewiring of our country,” Powell said, adding that Burnham understood the need for “bigger, bolder measures.”
Burnham’s leadership has already faced criticism from opposition figures, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch describing him as a “people pleaser” who lacks detail in his plans for government.
Badenoch argued that the country needs a leader willing to make difficult decisions rather than focus on popularity.
However, Powell defended Burnham, saying his leadership represented an opportunity to reset government priorities and focus on improving people’s daily lives.
One of Burnham’s early decisions will be to scrap the proposed digital ID scheme introduced under Starmer’s leadership. Powell said the move would allow the government to focus resources on more urgent priorities.
Meanwhile, Burnham’s government is expected to announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, despite Labour’s previous commitment not to issue new licences.
Powell described the move as a change in emphasis rather than a complete shift in policy, saying Burnham would take a pragmatic approach to energy security.
The announcement is expected to form part of a wider package of policies, including plans for greater public control of water and energy companies and a major council house-building programme.
Burnham has previously argued that essential services should operate more in the public interest, while critics say nationalisation could place further pressure on taxpayers.
Former Conservative minister Jacob Rees-Mogg criticised the idea of expanding public ownership, arguing that private investment remains necessary for major industries.
Although Burnham’s appointment has been expected for weeks, his formal arrival as prime minister will begin on Monday after the traditional transition process involving the King and Downing Street.
His first major task will be selecting his cabinet, with speculation continuing over who will take key positions, including the role of chancellor.
As Burnham prepares to enter Downing Street, supporters say his leadership will bring a new direction for Labour, while opponents question whether his ambitious promises can be delivered.
