Andy Burnham, set to become the next prime minister of the United Kingdom, is preparing for his premiership with a focus on tackling key domestic issues and reshaping Labour’s policy direction. In the lead-up to his official appointment, Burnham plans a nationwide summer tour targeting areas where the party has lost ground, aiming to rebuild support ahead of a challenging political landscape. His anticipated priorities as prime minister include education reform, improvements in social care, housing, welfare system changes, and securing funding for defense. Additionally, Burnham’s team is working toward greater public control over services, signaling a shift in the role of the state.

However, tensions are emerging within Burnham’s inner circle. Divisions have surfaced between factions based in Manchester and Westminster, with figures such as Miatta Fahnbulleh, a former communities minister, and Josh Simons, who vacated his parliamentary seat in Makerfield for Burnham, managing separate policy operations. Sources within Labour note a struggle to define the ideological path of the new leadership, with debates over whether Burnham’s approach will reflect a “soft-left” agenda, a “blue Labour” stance, or a return to traditional Labour values.

Burnham allies suggest that while he wanted his predecessor Keir Starmer to remain longer in office for a smoother transition, he is mentally prepared to assume the premiership. Some ministers outside Burnham’s core team remain cautious about his readiness to make difficult decisions, particularly those involving cabinet reshuffles and policy direction.

Meanwhile, Ed Miliband, currently serving as energy secretary and widely viewed as a frontrunner to become Burnham’s chancellor, is poised to approve production at the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea. The decision, anticipated within weeks, aims to increase domestic gas supply following disruptions related to conflicts in the Middle East. Miliband supports the Jackdaw project, located approximately 150 miles east of Aberdeen, on the basis that it aligns with the UK’s climate commitments. However, he expresses reservations about the nearby Rosebank oil field, which he previously described as “climate vandalism” due to its higher emissions and longer development timeline.

The pending approval for Jackdaw, a project held up since 2024 following a High Court ruling, has drawn divergent opinions. Industry leaders and some former political figures, such as former prime minister Tony Blair, have urged expedited approval to avoid winter supply shortages, with project operators projecting the field could supply around 6% of UK gas from October. Opposition voices, including Greenpeace, have criticized the move as environmentally irresponsible.

Miliband’s stance is viewed by supporters as pragmatic rather than strictly ideological. Allies contend that his experience and moderate positions equip him to balance economic and environmental priorities effectively. If appointed chancellor, he is expected to promote measures supportive of business growth, including proposals like cutting national insurance contributions for small businesses.

Within Labour, Burnham’s team is also undertaking a “cultural reset,” responding to widespread dissatisfaction among MPs following the Starmer era. Initiatives include a “no knobheads” policy aimed at improving internal party culture. Burnham has engaged extensively with parliamentary colleagues through small group meetings, and his staff are preparing detailed plans for the first 10 and 100 days of his tenure, focusing on high-profile policies and cost-of-living interventions. Proposed measures under consideration include free bus passes for young people and targeted assistance with energy costs, aiming to convey a fresh direction for the government and the Labour Party.