Andy Burnham pledged to lead a united Labour government free of factionalism as he took over as party leader, promising to end years of internal strife while setting out a left‑leaning vision for Britain.
Burnham, who will become UK prime minister on Monday, said his election marked the most significant political change in four decades and described it as Labour’s “last chance” to get things right.
He vowed to undo Thatcher‑era policies, expand public ownership of utilities, fix social care, and build new council housing, while insisting he would remain “pro‑business,” as he had been as mayor of Greater Manchester.
Addressing MPs after his confirmation at a special party conference in London, Burnham appealed for unity: “Factionalism has bedevilled us. Today we moved beyond it.” He promised a “distinctively Labour” government that would not mimic the Conservatives, Greens, or Reform UK.
Despite his call for unity, tensions have already surfaced over cabinet appointments, which will be announced after Keir Starmer formally hands over power at Buckingham Palace.
Shabana Mahmood, from the Blue Labour wing, is seen as frontrunner for chancellor, ahead of the left’s choice, Ed Miliband. Burnham defended delaying the announcement, saying it would be “chaos” to name ministers before entering No 10.
Speculation also surrounds Jonathan Reynolds, tipped to head a larger business department, Wes Streeting as a possible defence secretary, Angela Rayner for health, and a “big beast” for foreign secretary to allow Burnham to focus on domestic priorities.
Trade unions welcomed Burnham’s leadership but urged delivery. Unison said he “must get this right and bring back the hope he promises,” while Usdaw said members expect his vision “to be translated into action.” Burnham won overwhelming support from MPs, unions, and party branches, making him the uncontested successor to Starmer.
In his remarks, Burnham praised Starmer for taking Labour from “our worst defeat to one of the best victories in history,” but pledged to “do better.”
He said his priorities included devolving power to communities, boosting housing, and tackling social care: “I will expend political capital on bringing forward a plan to fix social care, and I’m not going to waste time.”
Burnham also sought to broaden his appeal beyond his northern base, promising to lead for “the north, south, east, west, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.” He said he would “take power back from Westminster and Whitehall and give it back to the place where you live.”
He paid tribute to Labour veterans David Blunkett, Neil Kinnock, and Margaret Beckett, crediting them with inspiring his political path.
Opposition parties reacted sharply. Nigel Farage of Reform UK dismissed Burnham as “vacuous” and “the great chameleon of British politics,” while Conservatives criticised his election during parliament’s recess.
Party chair Kevin Hollinrake demanded Burnham present his plan to MPs, accusing Labour of being “high‑tax, high‑spend” regardless of leader.
Burnham will move into No 10 this weekend, continue civil service briefings, and prepare his first cabinet meeting.
On Monday, he will deliver a speech on the Downing Street steps outlining his “vision for a better Britain,” with cost‑of‑living measures expected in his first week.
