Inside No 10: Exclusive Access as Andy Burnham Takes Over as PM
An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Andy Burnham's first week as the 59th prime minister, capturing his arrival and shifting political style.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Andy Burnham entered No 10 greeted by enthusiastic staff clapping along the corridors.
- BBC News was granted rare access to three key moments of his first week in charge.
- The new government prioritizes voter-friendly measures like cutting energy VAT and pub tax breaks.
- The prime minister hinted at a potential shake-up to the council tax system for high-value properties.
Moments before the new prime minister stepped inside, a Downing Street official armed with a clipboard instructed the eagerly lined-up staff with the words You can clap now
.
The applause erupted even before the iconic door swung open, greeting Andy Burnham and his wife with crowds of cheering employees packed tightly down the lengthy corridor all the way to the Cabinet Room door, which had been left ajar for him to walk straight in and get to work. According to BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg, she has rarely witnessed a politician looking quite so delighted or eager to shake every hand in sight, notably forgoing the casual t-shirt and bomber jacket look for a formal suit.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
A testament to his distinct leadership style, the BBC team was given permission to capture behind-the-scenes footage across three pivotal moments during the 59th prime minister's inaugural week: his ascension as Labour leader, his arrival at No 10, and his first official day at the new northern outpost, No 10 North in Manchester. This unprecedented access included candid snippets such as rating pub snacks with Chancellor John Healey on Instagram and sharing photographs of his family dog, Axel.
Allowing media access to such intimate behind-the-scenes moments reflects a modern political communication strategy aimed at humanizing leadership and bridging the gap between high office and the electorate. While this approach builds immediate rapport—drawing heavily from Burnham's background as a prominent regional mayor—it also raises expectations for how this personal style translates into rigorous national governance.
The most noticeable shift in the Labour reboot thus far lies in the government's visual and auditory presentation, placing a clear emphasis on voter-friendly announcements like lowering VAT on domestic energy bills and tax relief for pubs, though exact funding details for these pledges remain undefined.
During a close-range interview, Burnham spoke fluently and passionately on familiar territory: reforming social care, his mayoral track record in Manchester, and empowering local leaders to spend taxpayer funds autonomously without requiring Whitehall permission.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Yet, when questioned on unfamiliar domains, a certain tension emerged. Burnham repeatedly reaffirmed his commitment to the 2024 general election manifesto while remaining tight-lipped on how he plans to secure billions in extra funding for defense and public services without breaking prior promises on income tax, VAT, and National Insurance.
"My strength always is in remaining close to people, close to the public, that will not change because I am prime minister"
Andy Burnham
Furthermore, hints at a major overhaul of the council tax system—potentially increasing burdens on owners of high-value properties—signal upcoming political battles. As he navigates matters of war, peace, and foreign diplomacy for the first time, Burnham's deliberate balancing act highlights a leader carefully weighing his national interests on the global stage.
Source: BBC Politics
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