Andy Burnham’s Official Declaration as Labour Leader
The move aims to redirect focus from “not just money” to attention and the focus of government machinery, as reported by the BBC.
Burnham’s Pledge to the Manifesto Amid Policy Shifts
Scraping Digital ID Scheme
Andy Burnham was officially declared the new Labour Party leader on Friday following a short contest in which he was the only candidate, having secured the backing of 379 MPs. Some opposition parties have urged Burnham to call a general election to ensure he has a mandate for his premiership. However, Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, insisted Burnham would stick to the promises made in Labour’s 2024 manifesto. Our manifesto did talk about the redistribution of power, it did talk about the rewiring of our country, it did talk about taking on some of those vested interests,
she said. He [Burnham] really understands the bigger, bolder measures that are needed to live up to the manifesto promises.
She also said his leadership was a chance to “reset” and that scrapping the Digital ID scheme was a small example of reprioritising.
North Sea Drilling Plans
In one of his first announcements since becoming Labour leader, Burnham said he would ditch the plan announced by Sir Keir Starmer last year. Powell said the scheme would have cost a not insignificant amount of money
but would also have diverted attention from the government’s priorities. Separately, the BBC has been told Burnham’s government will announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Powell said Burnham would be “pragmatic” on the subject, adding: I don’t think it’s a change of policy. It’s more a change of emphasis.
Devolution and Electoral Reform
Amid questions about how much cash abandoning the project would save, Lucy Powell said the decision was not just about the money
but would also clear the decks
of potential distractions from Mr Burnham’s agenda. Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Ms Powell pointed to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s claim last year, rejected by the Government at the time, that digital ID could cost £1.8 billion over three years. Describing this as not an insignificant amount of money, she added: It’s not just about the money. It’s actually about the attention and the focus, so that the whole of government machinery can work in service of the agenda and the vision that the Labour government is setting out under Andy Burnham.
She said the decision would ensure the government was laser focused on the cost of living, laser focused on rewiring the economy, rewiring the political system in this country.
The incoming prime minister’s team has indicated the decision to scrap digital ID is part of a reset of priorities
Mr Burnham will set out when he takes over from Sir Keir Starmer on Monday. In his first speech from Downing Street, he is expected to set out measures to provide breathing space
on the cost of living, while elaborating on his commitment to devolve power away from Westminster and ensure economic growth throughout the UK. Reports have suggested this could include approval of further oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
Economic Priorities: Cost of Living and North Sea Drilling
Burnham’s focus on the cost of living is central to his strategy. Powell highlighted that scrapping the Digital ID scheme would allow the government to “laser focus” on economic and political reforms, including devolving power from Westminster. However, the incoming prime minister’s approach to energy policy remains ambiguous. While Labour’s manifesto opposed new North Sea drilling, Burnham’s team is reportedly open to approving projects at existing fields like Jackdaw and Rosebank, avoiding a direct manifesto breach.
It’s more a change of emphasis than a change of policy, Powell said, noting Burnham’s “pragmatic” stance. However, Powell criticized media speculation about the role, calling it “unedifying” and blaming political journalists for fueling internal disputes.
Devolution and Electoral Reform: A North-South Divide
Amid questions about the pensions triple lock, Burnham answered: I appreciate there’s a lot of debate about this but it is important that the commitment in the manifesto stands.
Labour previously committed to holding the triple lock for the entirety of the party’s time in Parliament. The controversial policy, introduced in 2011, means the state pension increases year-on-year by the highest of three measures: inflation, average wage increase, or 2.5% if both are lower.
Unanswered Questions and Political Tensions
Despite Powell’s assurances, uncertainties linger. Meanwhile, speculation has fueled discourse about Burnham’s chancellor pick, with Powell dismissing “horrible” media coverage as a distraction.
Burnham’s refusal to call an early election also raises questions. When asked about the move, he stated, No. As I said in my speech on Monday, I’m going to work to the 2024 manifesto.
This stance could test his ability to balance manifesto commitments with urgent policy needs, particularly as inflation and energy costs remain pressing concerns.
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