Labour deputy leader says Burnham will pursue bolder agenda while adhering to manifesto

Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell told the BBC’s Sunday programme that Prime Minister-designate Andy Burnham will honour the commitments set out in the party’s 2024 election manifesto while pursuing a more ambitious agenda. She said his leadership offers a chance to "clear the decks of all the other things that might distract" from tackling the cost-of-living crisis and the economy, and described it as a "reset" that could include scrapping the Digital ID scheme and reprioritising spending.

Powell added that Burnham understands the need for "bigger, bolder measures" to deliver on manifesto promises, such as taking water and energy companies under public control and launching a new council-house building programme. She argued that utilities have been "overly privatised" and that rising bills reflect private-interest management rather than consumer or taxpayer concerns.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Burnham, calling him a "people pleaser" and saying the job is not a popularity contest. > "The job is not a popularity contest. It is making the lives of all of the people outside this building better. And he has not said what he's going to do. It's all airy-fairy stuff," she said.

Former Conservative minister Jacob Rees-Mogg countered Powell’s view on public ownership, stating that the water industry needs private capital or taxpayer funding, as no other money is available.

Burnham, who was declared Labour leader after securing the backing of 379 MPs, is expected to be formally invited by King Charles to form a government on Monday. His first actions are likely to include appointing key ministers and announcing policy shifts, including a pragmatic approach to new North Sea oil and gas drilling and continued calls for greater public control of water and energy services.