Welcome to Limbo Land
Unless an extraordinary event occurs—such as a meteorite striking Earth, Scotland winning the World Cup, or the ravens leaving the Tower of London—in just over two weeks, Andy Burnham will ascend Downing Street as the 59th British prime minister.
We find ourselves in a peculiar political interlude. The current prime minister holds the title but lacks authority, while the incoming leader possesses authority in principle but not yet in practice.
What is transpiring behind the scenes as the Starmer camp prepares to depart and the Burnham team readies for a transformative day?
Burnham’s Public and Private Moments
This afternoon, Burnham is taking a break to watch his rugby league team, Leigh Leopards, compete against the Warrington Wolves. Tomorrow evening, he plans to stay up with his family to watch England face Mexico.
However, these moments of respite are brief. Every public action he takes is scrutinized intensely.
Having not contested a general election, Burnham has not released a definitive manifesto, leaving Westminster eager for insights into his agenda.
Since returning as an MP, he has delivered only one major speech, participated in a single radio interview, and engaged with the public via social media platforms.
While platforms like Reddit and Instagram increase politicians’ accessibility, allowing direct public engagement rather than mediated by journalists, they also enable politicians to selectively address topics or questions.
Government Officials Scramble for Clues
Currently, government officials are "rushing around picking up every little hint and tidbit on areas that might affect their department," according to a former senior figure.
As discussed previously, Burnham’s general political stance has been consistent for years. In his speech last Monday, he outlined plans including establishing a "No 10 North" office in Manchester, where he intends to spend part of the week.
On Thursday, he reiterated his proposal to provide tax cuts to pubs and small independent leisure and retail businesses, funded by levies on large warehouses operated by major online companies such as Amazon.
Burnham has suggested he will largely adhere to the Labour manifesto for 2024 but indicated there is "room for manoeuvre" on issues like taxation.
He also aims to expand public control over utilities, a process already underway. Every indication he provides is closely analyzed both publicly and within Whitehall.
Behind-the-Scenes Political Activity
Beyond the limited public statements, this transitional period is marked by intense political and practical activity.
Burnham spent the week in meetings with MPs and held a critical session with influential unions. Within the Labour Party, a contest is underway, with Burnham acting as a Simon Cowell figure, evaluating aspiring ministers for Cabinet positions.
One MP described the situation in vivid terms as the "greatest show of arselickmanship you have ever seen," adding,
"there's a bunfight for jobs, a bunfight for Cabinet and a bunfight for political space."
However, Burnham is not expected to announce his team until he has officially entered No 10.
He has informed colleagues that he will set the direction of his plans before assigning roles, leaving hopeful candidates waiting. For now, Burnham retains full control.
Formal Handover and Access Talks
Although not yet Labour leader, a formal handover process known as "access talks" has commenced.
Similar to pre-election protocols, the incoming team has received permission from the sitting prime minister to initiate discussions with the civil service regarding their intended policies.
Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, the highest-ranking civil servant, oversees this process. Burnham himself has led these talks, accompanied by his chief of staff, former cabinet minister and former flatmate James Purnell, and MP Lou Haigh, a key figure in his campaign and a member of Starmer's cabinet.
The discussions have focused on devolution, the challenging state of the national finances, and UK security threats. Further talks are scheduled for the coming week.
Practical Preparations for the Transition
Alongside high-level policy discussions, practical preparations for the official transition day are underway.
A former No 10 staffer recalled arriving early one morning, being "shuffled through weird corridors, taken into a room, choosing logins and signing our lives away."
Considerations include how Team Burnham will choreograph his first address to the nation from the Downing Street lectern.
Keir Starmer’s team deliberated extensively on whether to invite crowds of supporters to Downing Street for his arrival, concerned it might appear "too gauche to have a celebration." Ultimately, they opted for an image intended to be "strong and patriotic," with Union Jack umbrellas ready in case of rain and supporters waving flags.
This will mark Burnham’s first official introduction as prime minister, an image to be broadcast widely and a speech likely to be quoted repeatedly.
Transition Within Downing Street
Inside the building, permanent civil servants are mindful of bidding farewell to one team while welcoming another, a process that can be complex.
One former official recounted a departing prime minister’s irritation at an "office spruce-up," where walls were freshly painted for the incoming leader.
New prime ministers, like monarchs, may become accustomed to such changes. For example, renovations to the men’s restrooms outside Theresa May’s office into a more pleasant guest waiting area had just been completed when her tenure ended.
Officials cease including outgoing political staff in critical emails as their influence wanes.
There is considerable desk tidying to make a favorable impression for the new leader. On the day itself, a hectic sequence unfolds as one leader is formally applauded out and, less than two hours later, a new one is welcomed.
The day combines solemnity and routine—from intensive security briefings to decisions about the prime minister’s preferred desk and seating arrangements. Numerous decisions, both significant and mundane, will confront the new leader and his chief of staff.
One former official humorously noted,
"James Purnell will be weirdly dragged into having to worry about the toilet paper as well as when he is going to write his letters to the nuclear submarine commander."
The Letters of Last Resort
Among the most serious tasks a new prime minister undertakes almost immediately is composing four "letters of last resort" addressed to the commanders of Britain’s four nuclear submarines. These letters contain instructions for action if the UK government has been destroyed by a nuclear attack.
From the gravest responsibilities to the most basic logistics, a wide array of choices awaits Andy Burnham upon entering Downing Street.
Burnham had hoped for more preparation time. Key allies wished for Keir Starmer to remain until September to allow a longer transition.
However, despite nearing the fulfillment of his long-held ambition—first pursued in 2010—to become Labour leader and then prime minister, the opportunity for an extended preparation period was lost.
An ambition over 15 years in the making will come to fruition in just 15 days.
Additional Information
More from Laura Kuenssberg
- Is Andy Burnham Labour's saviour, or just its best bet?
- Talk of Starmer staying on to fight is fading - fast
- Are the Downing Street dominoes about to fall?
BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. Emma Barnett and John Simpson bring their pick of the most thought-provoking deep reads and analysis, every Saturday. for the newsletter here.
Get in Touch
Are you personally affected by the issues raised in this story?
