Immigration, pensions, tax, housing: incoming PM Andy Burnham’s policy stance

Andy Burnham, set to become UK Prime Minister on Monday, has outlined his stance on immigration, pensions, tax, housing and other key policy areas as he prepares to take over from Sir Keir Starmer.

Burnham’s Policy Priorities Ahead of Downing Street Move

The former Greater Manchester mayor, who returned to Parliament last month after winning the Makerfield seat, secured overwhelming backing from Labour MPs with little challenge to his leadership bid, according to the Manchester Evening News. He plans to launch a “Number 10 in the North,” based in Manchester, aimed at redirecting power to local leaders and helping regions build housing, transport and jobs.

On immigration, Burnham has said the government needs to “go further” on stopping illegal migration, backing greater use of detention centres and wider distribution of asylum seekers across the country. He voted in favour of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s asylum reforms.

Burnham has committed to keeping the pension triple lock, while declining to rule out a wealth tax and suggesting “some room” for movement on business rates. He has proposed higher rates on warehouses to fund cuts for pubs and high street businesses.

On social care, he has long supported a universal care system funded through a possible “care levy” replacing inheritance tax. In education, he wants to end the dominance of university pathways, focusing more on technical qualifications and apprenticeships.

Housing is a stated priority, with Burnham pledging the “biggest council house building programme since the post-war period” and considering reforms to stamp duty and council tax, including a lower threshold for the incoming mansion tax.

On foreign policy, Burnham has apologised for Labour’s early response to Gaza, backed further sanctions on Israeli settlers, and said Britain’s support for Ukraine will continue. He said he intends to “meet Trump where he’s at” following his predecessor’s strained relationship with the US president.