Burnham to promise 'more breathing room' as he takes over as PM

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Burnham to promise 'more breathing room' as he takes over as PMImage source, Getty ImagesByAdam GoldsmithPublished6 minutes agoAndy Burnham will commit to giving people "more breathing room" when he gives his first speech as prime minister outside Number 10 on Monday. He is expected to characterise the moment as one of "reflection and resolution", arguing Britain must be honest about the challenges it faces and demonstrate it can solve them. So far, Burnham's team has teased plans for office that include ditching a Government digital ID programme, and drilling for more oil and gas in the North Sea.

Burnham will reportedly set out his domestic priorities in the speech, and pledge to restore confidence in Government as he becomes the seventh person to be PM in the last 10 years. Burnham will be bolder but stick to Labour manifesto, deputy leader says Published3 hours agoFive headaches Andy Burnham will have to deal with as PM Published2 days agoBurnham's final steps to become PM will begin when Sir Keir Starmer meets King Charles to formally offer his resignation on Monday. The King will then meet Burnham shortly afterwards, and the monarch will ask him to form a government.

The Details

Once Burnham has accepted, he will officially become the country's 59th prime minister. After leaving the meeting - expected to be at Buckingham Palace - Burnham will then head to his new home on Downing Street, where he is to give an address outside. In the speech, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester is expected to argue that political stability must deliver "tangible" improvements along with the "breathing room" on the cost of living he has previously promised.

His speech will also reportedly insist on the importance of "honesty and reflection". Burnham will then head inside to begin appointing his senior ministers to the cabinet, including the key position of chancellor. It is unclear who'll make up the new PM's top team, but speaking to the 's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Labour deputy leader - and Burnham ally - Lucy Powell said the incoming prime minister's vision would be "consistent" the party's 2024 general election manifesto but would be bolder and more ambitious.

Ahead of Monday's speech, the incoming prime minister's team has teased some of the measures Burnham is expected to take in his first months in charge. This includes scrapping plans for a government-issued digital ID for all British adults, in what has been called a "reset of priorities" for Burnham. Plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea are also expected to be on the agenda, forming part of a flurry of measures from Burnham including plans to take water and energy companies under public control.

But environmental campaigners have urged him to stick to Labour's 2024 manifesto, which promised not to issue new licences for North Sea drilling, arguing they would not reduce energy bills.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.