Andy Burnham to announce cost-of-living measures tomorrow

Andy Burnham has pledged to set out plans to tackle the cost-of-living as an immediate priority.

Delivering his first speech after becoming prime minister this afternoon, he said he would set out new measures tomorrow – including how support for households would be paid for.

He also said that later this year his government would publish a 10-year plan “laying out a path from where we are now to where I believe we all want Britain to be”.

This will include ambitions to build more council homes, a strategic focus on prevention, and the aim to end rough sleeping, he said.

Burnham became the leader of Labour last week, having stood unopposed.

Keir Starmer formally resigned earlier today, shortly after making his final speech as prime minister in which he said he was leaving the country “stronger and fairer”.

The new Cabinet is expected to be appointed this afternoon.

Speaking outside of Downing Street, Burnham said he was “acutely aware” of the high turnover of prime ministers in recent years. He is the seventh since 2016.

He said it was a moment for “reflection and new resolution”, and his new government would be a “circuit breaker for Britain”.

“Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again, and that is our challenge – to make politics work, to make politics work better,” he added.

First Minister John Swinney has congratulated the prime minister on his appointment.

He committed to “working constructively” with the new UK Government to “improve the lives of people in Scotland”.

Swinney said: “Taking action on the cost of living must be an absolute priority for the new prime minister, and supporting people through sustained economic pressures will be key to restoring confidence and stability after a period of political turbulence.

“Just two months ago, the people of Scotland voted for my Government and our commitment to support people with the cost of living, ensure easier and quicker access to the NHS, and deliver the right to choose a fresh start with independence.

“I look forward to constructive conversations with the new prime minister about how we make that happen.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also congratulated Burnham on the appointment.

He said: “I am confident that Andy will rise to the challenge he has set out today - to make our politics better, to make sure it works for people and delivers the change our country so desperately needs.

“We must re-empower those communities that have been forgotten about and left behind, and re-industrialise every part of our great country.

“That is what we can expect from this Labour government, taking on the poison of Reform and bringing hope back to Britain.”