The Guardian Politics

Here be dragons: does moving power to the north work?

Andy Burnham’s recent promise to create a ‘No 10 North’ echoes BBC’s successful Out of London planWhen the BBC first announced its intention to move a significant chunk of its operation to Salford in Greater Manchester – the “Out of London” plan, as the then director general Mark Thompson called it in 2004, with a faint “here be dragons” whiff – there were plenty in the organisation who were scornful that it could ever work.Senior staff would never leave the capital. Star talent wouldn’t dream o

politics  Jul 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

‘Good growth in every postcode’: Burnham’s economic to-do list in seven charts

From industrial strategy and defence to housing and living costs, we lay out the challenges facing the new PMAndy Burnham becomes prime minister as Britain contends with a series of global economic shocks and years of weak growth in living standards, fuelled by underinvestment and deep regional divisions.Before his arrival in Downing Street, the Labour leader pledged to deliver “good growth in every postcode” by transferring power from Westminster to local communities. But with the public financ

politics  Jul 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Can Burnham's casual style survive contact with No 10?

When Burnham becomes PM, he'll find it harder to wear the wardrobe that's central to his political brand.

politics  Jul 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Andy Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on cost of living in first major policy pledge

A spokesperson for the incoming prime minister says his Government would “put its focus where people need it right now”.

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham is 'people pleaser' with 'airy fairy' plans, says Kemi Badenoch

Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, the Conservative leader accused the incoming PM of not knowing "what the country's priorities are".

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Ruthless plotter or dad dancer? Insiders reveal the real Andy Burnham

Who is the real Andy Burnham? Laura Kuenssberg talks to more than 20 people who know him to work it out

politics  Jul 18, 2026

The Guardian Politics

‘It becomes inevitable’: the toxic mix fuelling deadly political violence around world

After killing of a British former MP, experts say dehumanising rhetoric, declining institutional trust and disinformation fuelling a global problemOn 9 July, the body of Ann Widdecombe, an uncompromising, staunchly conservative former UK government minister turned TV personality and spokesperson for the radical-right Reform UK party, was found at her home in south-west England.Two days later, a man was arrested in South Yorkshire. Believed to be previously unknown to the local police force and t

politics  Jul 18, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Burnham expected to reverse ban on new oil and gas drilling

Incoming prime minister likely to reverse manifesto pledge and allow new North Sea licences, reports sayAndy Burnham is expected to relax the government’s restrictions on new oil and gas drilling when he becomes prime minister, according to reports.A decision to grant new licences for the practice in the North Sea would mark a departure from Labour’s 2024 manifesto, in which it pledged to honour existing licences but not issue new ones. Continue reading...

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling

Drilling has become a controversial topic for the Labour party after the 2024 manifesto pledged to not issue new licences.

politics  Jul 18, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Six political headaches Andy Burnham must tackle in his first weeks as PM

From dealing with Trump to easing cost of living, the incoming prime minister is mulling his approach to contentious issuesWhen Labour was preparing for power in 2024, Keir Starmer’s then chief of staff, Sue Gray, compiled what one Labour official called her “shit list” – a dossier of immediate fires the government would have to put out.Gray is back, advising Starmer’s successor, Andy Burnham, in an unofficial capacity. And yet again, she is advising an incoming prime minister on how to deal wit

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Lib Dems urge FA and Uefa to withdraw from Fifa

Sir Ed Davey says Gianni Infantino and world football's governing body is "destroying the integrity of the beautiful game".

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Profile

Andy Burnham's new chief of staff.

politics  Jul 18, 2026

BBC Politics

Clacton by-election attracts 34 candidates

The list of people taking on Nigel Farage contains 20 independents and a number of joke candidates.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Labour pins hopes on Burnham reboot as he plans policy blitz

There is belief in the party that the new leader could put Labour back in the political match, political editor Chris Mason writes.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

The Guardian Politics

‘He knows what he thinks’: how ready is Andy Burnham to become PM?

A hasty handover from Starmer meant his successor has not had much time to prepare for office yet his team is quietly confidentWhat Andy Burnham’s first speech as Labour leader tells usJust 20 minutes’ walk along the road to Wigan Pier, Andy Burnham’s own route back to Westminster was cemented. At the Edge community centre, about a mile from the famous canal wharf, the result of the Makerfield byelection was announced, surpassing even his highest expectations.“Andy knew running in Makerfield was

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

MPs from the West reflect on Keir Starmer's legacy as PM

Labour MPs pay tribute to the outgoing prime minister after his emotional final speech in parliament.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

The Guardian Politics

The Guardian view on Andy Burnham: political poetry must become governing prose | Editorial

Larkin, Harrison and Shakespeare shaped Labour’s leader. Now comes the harder task: turning language into lasting changeAndy Burnham is finally Labour leader. After trying – and failing – twice to be elected by party members, he took the top job on Friday without a contest. Sir Keir Starmer remains prime minister until Monday, when he will tender his resignation to King Charles, who will invite Mr Burnham to form a government. Then the future that Mr Burnham has long imagined will cease to be a

politics  Jul 17, 2026

The Guardian Politics

To Andy Burnham: many backseat drivers will be trying to steer you. Here’s why you should ignore us | Jonathan Freedland

As prime minister, you will need a clear plan from the top. For that, look to an unlikely inspiration: Margaret ThatcherThe first piece of unsolicited advice I would offer to Britain’s incoming prime minister is: don’t take unsolicited advice. Don’t be one of those leaders who’s swayed by the last person in their ear. That’s what they used to say about Boris Johnson, that he was a cushion that bore the imprint of the last person who sat on him. Instead, Andy Burnham should study closely the expe

politics  Jul 17, 2026

The Guardian Politics

All hail the king! Good vibes and Greggs as Burnham addresses the Andyites

Keir had achieved greatness, his legacy would be eternal … until the new Labour leader got up to speak The king is dead. Long live the king. Not so much Labour electing a new leader, more a coronation. There were no surprises. No real drama. The deed had been done the moment Andy Burnham had won the Makerfield byelection. That was when Labour MPs switched off Keir Starmer’s life support machine.Even Vladimir Putin would be moderately happy with a 379 to one victory. The only dissenting voice was

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Chris Mason: The Labour Party is smiling again

Burnham was confirmed as the new Labour leader.

politics  Jul 17, 2026