Andy Burnham, the prospective Prime Minister, has been formulating his Downing Street agenda for over a year, according to his close associate Louise Haigh. Haigh mentioned that Burnham, the former Transport Secretary and potential key figure in a future Burnham administration, has a detailed plan for his first 100 days in office.
As the nominations opened in the Labour leadership contest to succeed Keir Starmer, Burnham’s path to power seems clearer. Al Carns, a former defense minister and the only remaining Labour MP considering a challenge against Burnham, confirmed that he will not contest, paving the way for Burnham to assume office on July 20 unopposed.
During an appearance on the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast, Haigh disclosed that Burnham has long harbored aspirations for the role of Prime Minister, having run for leadership twice previously. She indicated that Burnham has been contemplating and preparing for this moment for at least a year, with a specific plan in place for the initial 100 days, although she refrained from divulging details.
Haigh, instrumental in Burnham’s successful Makerfield by-election campaign, has been engaged in transition discussions with the civil service alongside Burnham and James Purnell, the anticipated new Chief of Staff at No. 10, focusing on national security, the economy, and devolution.
In light of criticisms regarding Labour’s readiness for power leading up to the 2024 general election, particularly from Starmer’s former chief-of-staff Morgan McSweeney, Haigh defended Burnham against claims of being unprepared due to his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester. She emphasized Burnham’s profound understanding of governance and his comprehensive plan to address regional disparities and enhance national development.
Furthermore, Haigh criticized Starmer for the handling of her dismissal from the Cabinet, citing the hurtful manner in which she was removed and the subsequent attempts to tarnish her reputation through briefings. She recounted the circumstances surrounding her resignation as Transport Secretary in 2024 and the lack of transparency in the decision-making process that led to her departure.
This development comes as Burnham’s leadership ambitions gain momentum, positioning him as a formidable contender for the UK’s top political role.
