Key facts
- Andy Burnham will become Prime Minister on Monday.
- He plans a "listening tour" across the UK in August.
- Port Talbot and Aberdeen are among potential stops.
- Burnham aims to devolve power away from Westminster.
- He faces scrutiny over policy details and media appearances.
Andy Burnham is set to embark on a nationwide tour in the initial weeks of his premiership, beginning Monday. The tour, described as a "listening tour of the UK," will take place in August during Parliament's recess. Areas understood to be on his itinerary include Port Talbot in south Wales, which recently saw the closure of its last steel-making blast furnace, and Aberdeen, a key location for the UK's energy sector.
Burnham, who will become prime minister on Monday, will not face MPs until September when the Commons reconvenes, unless he recalls Parliament. His premiership follows his ascension to the Labour Party leadership on Friday. A central theme of Burnham's message has been the devolution of power from Westminster to local communities, particularly those undergoing industrial transition.
However, his plans have raised concerns. Some Welsh politicians have accused Labour of double standards regarding industrial support, and the Welsh Government has expressed apprehension that Burnham's focus on devolving power might undermine the existing devolution to Wales. Health minister Stephen Kinnock has extended an invitation to Burnham to visit his constituency, highlighting local projects.
Burnham is also facing calls to connect with voters beyond London and the north-west of England. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has urged Burnham to act swiftly to build trust with communities across the UK. The Conservative Party had intended to force a vote on recalling Parliament for MPs to question Burnham, but this plan was abandoned.
Burnham has also been challenged to provide more policy details and face greater media scrutiny. He has responded to accusations of avoiding the press by pointing to his recent engagement with constituents and public Q&A sessions.