Andy Burnham will pledge he has the courage to fix major issues neglected by Westminster politics in his first speech as Labour leader, as reported by The Guardian.
Burnham, who will officially assume the role on Friday, plans to return decision-making power to local communities and drive economic growth across the nation.
The incoming Labour leader is scheduled to succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday, entering office during a prolonged decline in government poll ratings.
While Burnham has secured strong support from MPs, intense behind-the-scenes competition has begun for roles in his cabinet, which remains strictly confidential.
Concurrently, his Downing Street team is taking shape, with several key aides from the Starmer administration selected to remain at the core of the government.
Senior Number 10 appointments have been mostly finalized, according to sources involved, with the full cabinet expected to be announced on Monday.
Burnham has promised to run a more inclusive party, although MPs were informed that only selected office holders could attend the Friday conference.
In his upcoming address, Burnham will assert that Britain must offer its citizens the hope of building the best possible future.
He will argue that the country took damaging paths in the 1980s by centralizing political power in Westminster and privatizing key economic sectors.
The new leader will advocate for a completely fresh direction, steering away from the national policies pursued over the last four decades.
To address concerns from party critics, Burnham will promise an authentic Labour program focusing on reindustrialization and local power, without revealing immediate details.
Policy rollouts will be managed by the new Downing Street team next week, featuring updates on energy, water, and domestic living costs.
Key Appointments and Continuity
Among the advisers staying on are national security adviser Jonathan Powell, business adviser Varun Chandra, and policy unit head Graeme Cooke.
New additions from the private sector include former Flint Global chief executive James Purnell as chief of staff, and Hayden Munro as political director.
Former Sadiq Khan aide Sarah Brown will lead the press team, while former Ed Miliband adviser Grace Pritchard will act as spokesperson.
Former journalist John Stevens will continue his role as press secretary, while Matthew McGregor joins from 38 Degrees as director of political strategy.
Alison Phillips, former Mirror editor and ThinkLabour chief executive, has been appointed transition director to assist the incoming team.
"Her priority will be to establish No 10 as an effective team that can deliver Andy’s ambition to give Britain breathing space in the cost of living, deliver growth in every postcode and return power to communities," a spokesperson said.
Insiders note that Burnham wants to ensure operational stability following his campaign in Makerfield and Starmer's exit from office.
Business groups expressed satisfaction with Chandra remaining in his role, having previously voiced concerns about lacking access to the transition team.
However, some observers suggest the staff choices indicate Burnham may moderate the radical policy changes he previously championed.
"This is very much Continuity Keir," said one person briefed on the moves. "These are good, competent people.
But if you expected them to pursue a radically different type of politics, you will be disappointed," they added.
Conversely, an ally of the incoming prime minister defended the strategy and staffing choices.
"We will have a leader at the top who is inherently political and the people he has picked are passionate about driving his vision for radical reform and change," the ally stated.
Burnham must navigate a balance between delivering the deep political changes promised to voters and reassuring financial markets regarding his economic plans.
Policy discussions with civil servants are underway, with announcements planned shortly after Burnham officially takes office on Monday.
Key proposals include exploring public or mutual ownership models for water providers like Thames Water, alongside immediate rent control measures to lower living costs.
However, some plans may draw criticism from left-wing factions, as Burnham reportedly prepares to permit additional drilling in existing North Sea oil fields.
