politics
Burnham and Starmer hold ‘frosty’ meeting to thrash out transition of power
With Burnham and his team potentially having only weeks before he becomes PM, Starmer has agreed to give him access to civil service
TL;DR
- Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham met for a "frosty" discussion regarding the transition of power.
- Starmer agreed to grant Burnham's team access talks with the civil service, including cabinet secretary Antonia Romeo.
- Despite the agreement for cooperation, there is deep resentment within Starmer's inner circle towards Burnham.
- Burnham's team is reportedly exasperated by the shorter transition timetable, aiming to take over within weeks.
- Starmer intends to resolve outstanding issues, such as the defense investment plan, before he stands down.
- Starmer's spokesperson stated there would be no new major policy or spending commitments that could restrict his successor.
- Some Labour backbenchers have voiced concerns about Burnham's preparedness and expertise in foreign policy and defense.
- Burnham's allies highlight his past cabinet experience and his tenure as Greater Manchester mayor, with transition and policy teams already operating.
- Louise Haigh is overseeing the transition for Burnham, alongside Ed Miliband, Miatta Fahnbulleh, and Josh Simons.
- Burnham plans to outline his policy platform, focusing on affordability, devolution, youth employment, and asylum seeker housing.
- Under Labour's plans, Burnham would become prime minister on July 17th if unopposed for the leadership.