Key facts
- Sir Keir Starmer will grant Andy Burnham access to the civil service.
- Prospective Prime Ministers can engage with senior civil servants before formal nominations.
- Access talks are a convention to prepare potential leaders for governance.
- Nominations for the Labour leadership open on July 9.
- The Defence Investment Plan is expected to be published before the upcoming Nato summit.
Sir Keir Starmer is preparing for a transition in government and will allow Andy Burnham, along with other prospective Prime Ministers, access to the civil service "as soon as possible." This convention allows candidates to engage with senior civil servants to explain priorities and clarify operational aspects of governance before formal nominations for the Labour leadership close.
Nominations are set to open on July 9 within a one-week window. The move comes amid accusations from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch that Labour officials are neglecting national security due to the prolonged leadership speculation. Should a challenger emerge for Burnham, a full contest could delay a change of Prime Minister until September 1.
Meanwhile, Starmer intends to advance his own agenda, including travel to the Nato summit in Ankara on July 7. The government remains prepared to publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) before the summit, despite its publication being delayed following John Healey's resignation over Treasury funding commitments. MPs have expressed concern that Burnham might seek to influence the DIP before its release.
Starmer's efforts to bolster EU ties before leaving office have also faced a setback, as European Council president Antonio Costa indicated a summit would be postponed to allow a new Prime Minister to shape relations. Nick Thomas-Symonds, EU relations minister, voiced disappointment over this expected delay.