Andy Burnham used his first speech after being elected leader of the Labour Party to set out a programme centred on party unity, political reform, devolution and regional economic renewal.
Speaking at Labour’s Special Conference at the Trades Union Congress in London on Friday (17 July), Burnham thanked Sir Keir Starmer for his leadership, saying he had taken Labour “from our worst defeat to one of the best victories in our history” and praising reforms including workers’ rights, rail nationalisation and the Hillsborough Law.
Outlining his priorities, Burnham said: “I will work to build a new politics. The country is crying out for it.” He argued that political point-scoring had eroded public trust and called for a greater focus on solving long-term challenges through consensus where possible.
On economic policy, he said Britain had taken “a series of wrong-turns in the 1980s”, arguing that centralised political power and the privatisation of essential services had contributed to regional inequality. He added: “If we want an economy and a country that works for all people and places… it requires a new path to the one we’ve been on for the last 40 years.”
The speech also outlined plans to devolve more powers from Westminster to local communities, support reindustrialisation, expand housing, strengthen transport networks and promote both academic and technical education. Burnham concluded by saying his mission as Labour leader was “to bring back hope” and to build a government that serves communities across every part of the UK.
The address marked Burnham’s first speech as Labour leader following Keir Starmer’s resignation announced in June. Burnham was confirmed unopposed after receiving the backing of 379 Labour MPs and 23 affiliate organisations, and is expected to become Prime Minister on 20 July, when Starmer formally leaves office.
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