London, 20 July 2026 — In his first address outside 10 Downing Street today, new Prime Minister Andy Burnham set out an ambitious agenda for national renewal, promising a “circuit-breaker” for Britain and a decade of hope, stability, and devolved power to every community.
Speaking shortly after accepting the King’s invitation to form a government, Burnham acknowledged the public’s frustration with politics but pledged that his administration would “be better” and deliver real change. He reflected on becoming the seventh Prime Minister in a decade as “a moment for reflection and new resolution,” calling on his generation of politicians to restore stability and regain Britain’s confidence on the world stage.
Key themes from the Prime Minister’s speech included:
- A circuit-breaker moment: Introducing a new political and economic model focused on collaboration over confrontation, and problem-solving over point-scoring.
- Power to every postcode: Taking power out of Westminster and delivering it to communities through “No10 North” in Manchester, enabling “good growth in every postcode and hope in every heart.”
- A 10-year plan: Publishing a comprehensive national plan later this year to raise living standards, with immediate cost-of-living measures starting tomorrow.
- Housing and opportunity: A major push to end rough sleeping, build more council homes, and support young people into work with better education and mental health provision.
- Fixing past wrongs: Moving beyond 1980s-style centralisation and privatisation towards a more collaborative, solution-focused approach that reindustrialises Britain and puts essentials back under stronger public control.
Burnham emphasised unity, urging the country to “pull together” and believe in a brighter future once again.
Strong Cabinet Team Takes Shape
Prime Minister Burnham has continued to build a capable and experienced Cabinet. Today’s announcements include:
- John Healey — Chancellor of the Exchequer. The experienced former Defence Secretary brings steady stewardship to the Treasury.
- Shabana Mahmood — Home Secretary (reappointed). Continuing her strong work on immigration and security.
- Ed Miliband — Foreign Secretary. A significant new international role for the former party leader.
- Louise Haigh — First Secretary of State and senior Cabinet Office minister. A key ally coordinating government delivery and devolution.
- Pat McFadden — Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (reappointed). Bringing continuity and expertise to this vital department.
- Yvette Cooper — Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. A major appointment to lead reforms in the NHS and social care.
Further appointments are expected shortly as the full team is finalised to deliver on Labour’s priorities of economic growth, fairness, and community empowerment.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Labour in government — one rooted in the values of fairness, community power, and long-term thinking. As Prime Minister Burnham said today: Britain can and will do better. The work starts now.
Follow Labour Home for full coverage, speeches, and updates on the government’s programme.
