UK Prime Minister Burnham says first budget fell short of the transformative change his supporters expected
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham admitted his first budget was constrained by limited fiscal room, while sketching a 10-year reform programme and ruling out an early election in 2027. He pointed to public ownership, reindustrialisation and welfare reform as priorities, but said the government must move carefully in a volatile climate.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham told ITV News that his first budget did not deliver the radical changes he had hoped for, blaming a lack of "room for manoeuvre" amid current economic volatility. He said the government must balance ambition with the need to avoid deepening public uncertainty, pointing to recent protests in France as a warning of what can happen when pressure is allowed to build unchecked.
Burnham said a comprehensive 10-year plan will be unveiled by the end of the year, focused on public control of sectors such as energy and reindustrialisation. He stressed that the budget alone could not deliver all the reforms needed to reverse a decade of decline, and suggested a broader long-term state-led strategy would be necessary.
On welfare policy, Burnham argued the priority should be moving people into work rather than imposing cuts, saying, "I don't actually want to see anyone in their 20s on benefits" while also stressing the need for security for those unable to work because of disability. He rejected the Institute for Fiscal Studies' warning of "brutal" future cuts, insisting the government is taking a different path to support young people and reduce long-term benefit costs without punishing the vulnerable.
Addressing speculation about an early election, Burnham confirmed there will be no vote in 2027, saying he is not driven by political calculation but by the need for a clear, long-term strategy. He added that he intends to seek a mandate only when the 10-year plan is ready for full implementation.
Burnham, who succeeded Sir Keir Starmer on 20 July, said he maintains a good working relationship with his predecessor and has been in contact with former chancellor Rachel Reeves. He acknowledged that while he did not author the 2024 Labour manifesto, many of its policies align with his agenda, including devolution measures and the National Care Service.
The ITV documentary "Burnham: Inside The First 100 Days" will air on 3 November, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the prime minister's early tenure.