We were granted rare behind-the-scenes access during Andy Burnham's first week as the UK's 59th prime minister, observing his arrival at No 10, a half-hour interview in his new office and his first day at No 10 North in Manchester. Burnham’s personable, media-savvy style and commitment to devolving power stand out, but major policy details — especially on social care, defence funding and welfare — remain unsettled. He promises to respect the 2024 manifesto while also pledging transformative change, creating a rhetorical tension that demands clearer plans and funding sources.
Inside No 10: Andy Burnham’s First Week — Charm, Caution and Unfinished Plans
[BBC]
"You can clap now," a Downing Street official said, clipboard in hand, as staff gathered along the corridors of No 10 moments before the new prime minister arrived. The applause started before the famous door swung open, greeting Andy Burnham and his wife with a corridor full of clapping staff stretching to the Cabinet Room door, left ajar so he could walk straight in and begin work.
[No 10 Downing Street]
Our team was granted rare behind-the-scenes access at three defining moments during the 59th prime minister's opening week: his confirmation as Labour leader, his arrival at No 10 and his first day at No 10 North in Manchester. Most notable was a half-hour interview in his gleaming office after weeks of criticism that he had been avoiding difficult questions. Those moments — together with Burnham’s active social-media presence — reveal a leader who is unusually comfortable in public and eager to bring people along, but who still has important policy details to fill in.
Andy Burnham's dog, Axel [Andy Burnham]
Warmth and Performance: Burnham appeared genuinely pleased and approachable, ditching the casual T-shirt-and-bomber-jacket image for a buttoned suit as he greeted staff and lingered to shake hands. He offered personable touches — joking about Scampi Fries, showing a gold disc borrowed from Johnny Marr, and sharing photos of the family dog Axel, whom he describes as having "angry little man energy." Those moments have helped him capture attention, though they have also drawn mockery and spawned memes online.
[Reuters]
Communication Matters — But Is It Enough? Strong communications can win public attention; Burnham clearly has that skill. Yet style alone will not solve the country’s pressing problems: finding billions for defence, reforming social care, tackling debt and demographic challenges, and responding to public concerns about immigration. On these issues, his answers ranged from forceful on familiar territory to cautious or non-committal on new responsibilities.
Andy Burnham and his wife Marie-France van Heel (right) sat next to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow [Reuters]
Policy Signals And Tensions: The new government has prioritised voter-friendly measures such as cutting VAT on energy bills and tax breaks for pubs, though funding details remain unspecified. Burnham says he will broadly honour the 2024 manifesto but has also promised "the biggest change in four decades" — a rhetorical tension that observers will watch closely. On social care, he has long favoured a National Care Service in principle but indicated he will accelerate a review rather than present an immediate blueprint.
Andy Burnham with members of his team at the new No 10 North [PA Wire]
He signalled willingness to revisit immigration rules — including the home secretary’s proposal for long residency requirements — and floated possible exemptions for care workers. On welfare, he warned the state must "get serious" about reducing the bill and suggested tougher conditions for some claimants. He repeated commitments on income tax, VAT and National Insurance pledges from 2024 while hinting at a possible council tax overhaul that could see owners of the most valuable properties pay more.
Foreign Policy And New Responsibilities: International affairs appear to be less familiar ground. When asked about trusting Donald Trump, Burnham twice declined a direct answer, commenting only that "it's a changing world." Asked whether he would take a call from Vladimir Putin, he paused before saying he would need to know the circumstances. These moments showed a leader thinking in real time and seeking to avoid diplomatic missteps as he gains experience.
Devolution And 'Manchesterism': Burnham's record as mayor informs his ambitions to shift power from Westminster to local leaders, advocating greater fiscal freedom for mayors and councils. He argues this proximity to people's daily struggles is a core strength: "My strength always is in remaining close to people, close to the public, that will not change because I am prime minister." Whether this approach scales to national challenges remains an open question.
Opposition And Internal Pressures: Critics on the right worry he underestimates the UK’s fragile economic position — low growth and high debt — while some on the left doubt he will pursue more ambitious state-led reforms. His ministers reportedly aim to "vibe left, but govern from the centre," asking the public for some "breathing space" while immediate cost pressures are eased and a broader programme is developed.
Burnham’s personal story includes setbacks and perseverance; it took him three attempts to become party leader. As he straightened his tie on the day of his confirmation, he joked: "I like to make an entrance." He has now arrived at No 10 with popular appeal and clear instincts, but applause will not follow him everywhere. Delivering on big promises will require clearer policy plans, firmer funding commitments and swift learning on the international stage.
Key Quote: "The onus is on me not to be another one who just doesn't change things," Burnham said. "I like to make an entrance."
Help us improve.
