Public control of water and energy central to Burnham's PM agenda

Key proposals include placing the struggling Thames Water into special administration, a move allies believe could be achieved more cheaply than creditor-backed deals. Following this, water companies would be brought under public control as their franchises expire or they face failure, with the railway nationalization model cited as a precedent. A structure similar to utilities in Berlin or Paris, where municipal governments hold majority shares, is envisioned to allow for bill reductions, though this could impact necessary repair programs.

Parts of the energy sector, specifically grid operations and distribution, are also being considered for public ownership, though power generation and retail sales would likely remain private. Critics argue these plans come at a significant cost to taxpayers, which may conflict with Burnham's promises to adhere to existing borrowing rules and not increase income tax, VAT, or national insurance. He has also proposed tax cuts for employers and businesses.

Burnham has also pledged his support to the WASPI women, suggesting he would support compensation for more than 3.5 million women who claim they lost thousands of pounds due to inadequate notification of state pension age changes. He stated he felt "uncomfortable" with politicians supporting a cause but failing to act, and that the women "deserve some recompense for the unfairness." The government has rejected compensation claims, citing potential costs up to £10.5 billion, despite a 2024 report recommending payments between £1,000 and £2,950 per affected individual. The WASPI campaign group has vowed to "unseat" Labour if their demands are not met.