In his first conference speech as leader of the Labour Party, Prime Minister Andy Burnham outlined a broad agenda of reforms addressing Brexit, social care, housing, and electoral systems, signaling an ambitious policy shift ahead of the next general election. Speaking before party delegates, Burnham acknowledged the negative impact of Brexit and indicated a willingness to reconsider the United Kingdom’s long-term relationship with the European Union.
Burnham described Brexit as having “done more harm than good,” pledging to present various options by the end of the year regarding the UK’s future ties with the EU. These options could range from rejoining the bloc to regaining access to the single market or customs union, or adopting a form of associate membership similar to Canada’s arrangement. The Prime Minister plans to unveil these proposals in conjunction with an EU-UK summit scheduled for November, at which a so-called “reset” of relations is expected to be agreed. Burnham intends to seek cross-party agreement on the preferred course, although consensus appears unlikely given current opposition from Conservative and Reform Party figures.
Not all voices within Labour align on revisiting Brexit. While former Prime Minister Tony Blair and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have publicly urged Burnham to advocate re-entry into the EU contingent on reforms, Unite union leader Sharon Graham cautioned against undoing the 2016 referendum result. Graham emphasized respecting the original Brexit vote and warned that reversing it might provoke public backlash.
Social care emerged as a central priority in Burnham’s address, as he promised to establish a new national care service modeled on the NHS. He criticized successive governments, including his own generation, for failing to address shortcomings in elderly care and called for a “new social contract” that ensures care is free at the point of use and funded collectively. To finance this, Burnham proposed abolishing the pensions triple lock by 2030, which could free up to £15 billion annually, though analysts note that a comprehensive free social care system might require equal or greater funding. The Prime Minister acknowledged that advancing such reforms could carry personal political risks.
Burnham also committed to launching an independent commission on electoral reform to explore alternatives to the current first-past-the-post voting system used in UK general elections. He pledged that a Labour manifesto would include a promise to implement changes ensuring more proportional representation. Citing the 2024 general election results—where Labour secured a majority of seats with roughly a third of the popular vote—he argued for a system where “every vote counts and everyone’s voice is heard.” Similar proportional systems operate in devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Housing policy featured several notable proposals aimed at expanding homeownership and improving standards. Burnham vowed to reduce deposit requirements to assist first-time buyers without familial financial support and promised legislation before Christmas to reform leasehold arrangements. Additionally, he proposed granting local authorities the power to assume control of poorly maintained properties, raising concerns about potential expropriation. The Labour leader also endorsed a revived taxpayer-backed scheme dubbed “Your First Home,” designed to support house purchases, and supported plans allegedly linked to the party’s deputy leader to limit how long empty homes can remain unoccupied before facing fines or seizure.
On energy, Burnham announced intentions to create a national energy plan and establish a “Great British Grid” to coordinate supply and infrastructure, though critics argued the proposals lacked substantive detail and appeared to overlook challenges tied to achieving net-zero emissions goals.
The speech drew mixed reactions from across the political spectrum. Supporters viewed Burnham’s commitments as a forward-looking attempt to tackle pressing issues including Brexit’s legacy, social care, and democratic fairness. Meanwhile, critics cautioned that plans such as leasehold reform and controls on landlords risked discouraging investment and undermining the housing market. Some described the address as a return to traditional Labour interventionism, warning of increased state control over various sectors.
Burnham’s speech marked a clear departure from cautious messaging, signaling an intent to reshape key policy areas as Labour seeks to strengthen its position ahead of forthcoming elections.