Andy Burnham Latest LIVE: New Labour Leader Vows Power Shift
Andy Burnham latest LIVE – The newly elected Labour leader has delivered his inaugural address, promising to reclaim authority from Westminster as he prepares to take over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister. The former Greater Manchester mayor received formal confirmation of his leadership during a party conference in central London on Friday.
Downing Street Preparations Underway
Delivery vans were spotted at Number 10 earlier in the day, signaling the transition of power. Mr Burnham is set to officially become prime minister on Monday following the confirmation of his leadership credentials at the conference.
However, the incoming leader has already faced questions from left-wing MPs about potential cabinet choices. Some members have expressed concern over suggestions that Shabana Mahmood, currently Home Secretary, could be promoted to Chancellor despite her position on the party’s right wing.
Nigel Farage’s CPAC Challenge
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage used his CPAC speech in London to question Mr Burnham’s authority. The Reform UK leader called for an immediate general election while challenging the legitimacy of the new prime minister’s position without an electoral mandate.
“I believe a historic upset is on the cards. I believe the British people have simply had enough of weak, gutless, spineless leadership that cares more about opinion in the international community than it cares about the collective good of the people living in this country,” Farage declared.
The Reform UK leader claimed his party now represents the “dominant force of centre-right politics in Britain,” noting that Reform has become the largest party by membership. He described this as “remarkable,” highlighting how Reform UK has disrupted the traditional two-party system.
Economic Questions and Cabinet Debate
While Mr Burnham has not yet announced his full cabinet, speculation continues about who will take the Chancellor role. Farage criticized potential candidates during his CPAC address, suggesting that whether Shabana Mahmood, Ed Miliband, or Rachel Reeves takes the position, Britain would get a leader without private sector experience.
“Is it any wonder that our economy is in the depths of the trouble that it is?” Farage questioned.
The Reform UK leader also noted that Mr Burnham referenced his notes 266 times during his inaugural speech, suggesting this indicated a leader performing duties more out of obligation than confidence.
Mandate Under Scrutiny
Throughout his address, Mr Farage emphasized that Mr Burnham arrived at the prime ministerial position “with absolutely no mandate of any kind at all.” He considered this particularly significant given that Britain is “one of the world’s best and oldest and most functioning democracies.”
The Reform UK leader expressed skepticism about future improvements under Burnham’s leadership, particularly regarding immigration policy and Britain’s relationship with the European Convention on Human Rights. He stated there was “not a hope in hell” that the new prime minister would pursue withdrawal from the ECHR.
Support and Next Steps
Despite the criticism, Mr Burnham received public support from his predecessor. During his first rally as Labour leader, the incoming prime minister praised Sir Keir Starmer’s contributions, noting that his predecessor “leaves a legacy of a country that will be about justice and fairness going forward, and that is a huge thing.”
However, Mr Burnham acknowledged that “we’ve got much more change to bring,” signaling that his administration would pursue an ambitious reform agenda. On the opposition side, Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake argued that Mr Burnham should present his plans directly to parliament, noting that while the government cancelled a Conservative vote that would have brought the new prime minister before parliament on Monday, “it’s not too late for Andy Burnham to do the right thing, make a statement, and answer questions.”
