Andy Burnham, set to become the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister tomorrow, has announced plans to scrap the digital ID card scheme introduced under Sir Keir Starmer, redirecting resources to address pressing cost-of-living challenges. The decision marks a significant policy shift away from Starmer’s flagship immigration measure, which aimed to make digital ID cards mandatory for right-to-work checks, a proposal that faced substantial public backlash and was later softened by the government.

Burnham’s administration plans to shift focus towards empowering local communities and delivering tangible improvements in everyday life. Early measures under review include introducing free bus travel for children aged 11 to 16, expanding beyond Greater Manchester where the policy has already been committed to, and reducing household energy bills. One proposal being considered could remove green levies and abolish the gas standing charge, potentially lowering bills by £130 annually at a taxpayer cost of £3.2 billion per year.

While Burnham will scrap the national digital ID card program, he intends to proceed with other digital initiatives such as digital driving licences, a government app, OneLogin, and a Government Wallet. This continuation of digital projects has drawn criticism from opposition figures who argue that the government may not realize significant savings by abandoning the ID card scheme, as some remaining digital plans are costly. Julia Lopez, the shadow technology secretary, accused Burnham of “wasting millions of pounds” on the project and questioned whether his administration was genuinely responsible for canceling the mandatory ID proposal or merely claiming credit for a decision already made.

In addition to domestic cost-of-living concerns, Burnham is reportedly preparing plans to fast-track existing oil and gas drilling operations in the North Sea, despite Labour’s manifesto pledge not to issue new licenses. He is also exploring longer-term reforms, such as overhauling the social care system and potentially funding a national care service through increased inheritance taxation.

Burnham’s transition into government has faced internal challenges, including tensions with some senior Labour figures and concerns within the party’s soft left that his early decisions have featured indecision and a concentration of power within his inner circle. Team appointments are still being finalized, with Shabana Mahmood anticipated to become Chancellor and Louise Haigh likely to take the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster post. Ed Miliband is expected to be appointed Foreign Secretary, while other key roles are slated for Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner. Several Starmer loyalists, including Housing Secretary Steve Reed and the attorney general Lord Hermer, are anticipated to be removed from the cabinet.

As Prime Minister, Burnham has directed his advisors to develop a series of “feelgood” policies to bolster public support and contrast the initial weeks of Starmer’s leadership. Speaking at a Labour members' webinar, he emphasized a positive agenda aimed at improving lives and securing a second Labour term. The official handover will occur tomorrow morning, when Burnham is expected to be formally appointed by the King and deliver his first address as prime minister from Downing Street.