Burnham to promise 'more breathing room' as he takes over as PMImage source, Getty ImagesByAdam GoldsmithPublished19 July 2026, 18:23 BSTUpdated 4 minutes agoAndy Burnham will promise to give people "more breathing room" when he gives his first speech as prime minister outside No 10 on Monday.He is expected to say he is "acutely conscious" of the UK's high turnover of prime ministers - and that politics needs to be more stable and responsible. And he is expected to characterise the moment as one of "reflection and resolution", arguing Britain must be honest about the challenges it faces.Burnham will officially replace Sir Keir Starmer and become the UK's 59th prime minister - and seventh in 10 years - following a meeting with King Charles III on Monday. He will reportedly set out his domestic priorities in the speech. So far, his team has teased plans for office that include ditching the government's digital ID programme, and drilling for more oil and gas in the North Sea.Earlier, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said the incoming prime minister was a "people pleaser" at a time when the country needed someone who could "take tough decisions, who can face down Labour MPs"."The job is not a popularity contest. It is making the lives of all of the people outside this building better. And he has not said what he's going to do. It's all airy-fairy stuff," she said.Burnham will be bolder but stick to Labour manifesto, deputy leader says Published3 hours agoFive headaches Andy Burnham will have to deal with as PMPublished2 days agoBurnham's final steps to become PM will begin when Sir Keir Starmer meets King Charles to formally offer his resignation on Monday.The King will then meet Burnham shortly afterwards, and the monarch will ask him to form a government. Once Burnham has accepted, he will officially become the country's 59th prime minister.After leaving the meeting - expected to be at Buckingham Palace - Burnham will then head to his new home on Downing Street, where he is to give an address outside.In the speech, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester is expected to argue that political stability must deliver "tangible" improvements along with the "breathing room" on the cost of living he has previously promised.His speech will also reportedly insist on the importance of "honesty and reflection".Burnham will then head inside to begin appointing his senior ministers to the cabinet, including the key position of chancellor.It is unclear who'll make up the new PM's top team, but speaking to the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Labour deputy leader - and Burnham ally - Lucy Powell said the incoming prime minister's vision would be "consistent" the party's 2024 general election manifesto but would be bolder and more ambitious.Ahead of Monday's speech, the incoming prime minister's team has teased some of the measures Burnham is expected to take in his first months in charge.This includes scrapping plans for a government-issued digital ID for all British adults, in what has been called a "reset of priorities" for Burnham.Plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea are also expected to be on the agenda, forming part of a flurry of measures from Burnham including plans to take water and energy companies under public control.But environmental campaigners have urged him to stick to Labour's 2024 manifesto, which promised not to issue new licences for North Sea drilling, arguing they would not reduce energy bills.Related topicsAndy BurnhamLabour PartyMore on this storyHe'll be the first Andy in No 10 - but his rise to power has been decades in the makingPublished10 JulyRuthless plotter? Flip-flopper? Dad dancer? Insiders reveal the real Andy BurnhamPublished1 day ago