Key facts
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer has granted Andy Burnham access to the civil service.
- The meeting between Starmer and Burnham was described as 'frosty'.
- Burnham's team prefers to delay the UK's Defense Investment Plan until September.
- Bev Craig is the Labour candidate to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor.
- The Greater Manchester mayoral byelection is scheduled for July 30.
- Reform UK is also fielding a candidate in the Greater Manchester mayoral race.
- Andy Burnham is set to deliver a major economic speech next week.
- Andy Burnham is considering Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, or Shabana Mahmood for Chancellor.
- Ed Miliband is a favored choice for Chancellor.
- Senior Labour MPs are encouraging Darren Jones to challenge Andy Burnham for leadership.
- Darren Jones is reportedly reluctant but considering a leadership challenge.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has granted Andy Burnham, a leading contender for his succession, access to the civil service to facilitate an orderly transition of power. Sources described the meeting between Starmer and Burnham as 'frosty.' Burnham's team is reportedly seeking to delay the UK's Defense Investment Plan until September, allowing him to shape the policy upon taking office. This move comes as Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, has been named the Labour candidate to replace Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor. A byelection for this position is scheduled for July 30 and is anticipated to be a close contest, with Reform UK also fielding a candidate.
Burnham is also preparing to deliver a major economic speech next week, aiming to reassure bond markets amidst concerns about his potential economic policies. He is reportedly considering several individuals for the Chancellor position, including Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, and Shabana Mahmood. Miliband is noted as a favored choice, a prospect that has reportedly raised concerns among investors.
Amidst these developments, senior Labour MPs are urging Darren Jones to challenge Andy Burnham for the party leadership. These MPs reportedly wish to avoid a 'coronation' and ensure a contest for the leadership. Jones is said to be reluctant but is considering the move, with concerns also raised about potential economic policy and cabinet appointments under his or Burnham's leadership.
The transition of power is expected to see Burnham take over as Prime Minister, with the Defense Investment Plan potentially being unveiled in September under his direction. The mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester is set for July 30.