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Andy Burnham Sworn PM, Cuts Digital ID, Reviews Oil Licences

7/20/2026

44 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Andy Burnham becomes prime minister on Monday after Sir Keir Starmer resigns and the monarch invites him.
He plans to scrap the digital ID scheme and review oil and gas licences.
Burnham pledges more breathing room on the cost of living and a “No 10 North” devolution agenda in Manchester.
Cabinet appointments are undecided, with the chancellor post contested between Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood, while opposition leaders call for an election.

History

Historical Context

Tony Blair’s 1997 landslide, won on 1 May with a 177-seat majority, ended 18 years of Conservative rule and launched New Labour’s devolution agenda for Scotland and Wales. That shift created a precedent for regional power-sharing, which Andy Burnham now cites as he proposes a “No 10 North” devolution plan for Manchester, echoing Blair’s central-government reforms.

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Story summary

Andy Burnham becomes prime minister on Monday after Sir Keir Starmer resigns and the monarch invites him.
He plans to scrap the digital ID scheme and review oil and gas licences.
Burnham pledges more breathing room on the cost of living and a “No 10 North” devolution agenda in Manchester.
Cabinet appointments are undecided, with the chancellor post contested between Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood, while opposition leaders call for an election.

1 / 2