Key facts
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer is granting Andy Burnham, a potential successor, access to the civil service.
- The meeting between Starmer and Burnham was described as 'frosty' by sources.
- Starmer has agreed to suspend major policy and spending decisions before a new Prime Minister is in place, with the exception of a defence investment plan.
- Burnham's team is preparing for a transition, focusing on affordability, devolution, youth employment, and housing asylum seekers.
- Labour leadership nominations are expected to open on July 9, with a potential confirmation of a new leader by July 17 if unopposed.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met with Andy Burnham, a potential successor, in a meeting described as 'frosty' to discuss the transition of power ahead of Labour leadership nominations. Starmer has agreed to grant Burnham access to the civil service, including Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, to ensure an orderly handover. This access is a convention for potential leaders preparing for government. Starmer intends to resolve outstanding issues, such as a defence investment plan, before he steps down, but has stated there will be no new major policy or spending commitments that could restrict his successor. Burnham's team, led by Louise Haigh and Ed Miliband, is preparing for a swift transition, focusing on key areas like affordability, devolution, youth employment, and housing asylum seekers. While some Labour backbenchers express skepticism about Burnham's preparedness, his allies point to his experience as a cabinet minister and mayor. Labour leadership nominations are set to open on July 9, with a potential confirmation of a new leader by July 17 if Burnham remains unopposed.