Burnham Vows Radical Change Ahead of Labour Conference

Andy Burnham insists he can fulfil his pledge of radical change for the nation, even amid tough economic conditions, telling the Guardian, “There’s always something that can be done; it’s just a matter of willingness.”

He admitted that public finances are “challenging” before next month’s budget, but stressed that achieving fiscal stability is “crucial,” as only then can the government tackle larger issues.

A chain of global economic shocks — including the Iran conflict — has intensified inflationary pressure on the UK economy, raised borrowing costs, and constrained the government’s flexibility.

Ahead of his inaugural Labour conference as prime minister, Burnham aimed to reassure voters of his readiness to make tough decisions for change, while signalling to markets that he could maintain fiscal stability and lay foundations for deeper reform.

Speaking to the Guardian on the eve of his first Labour conference as leader, he said, “The public would respect us more if we tackled a difficult issue head‑on and declared, ‘Right, we’re going to do something here,’ instead of endlessly playing political games before addressing problems.”

“It’s challenging, certainly, but action is still possible. In politics there’s always something that can be done; the real question is whether we’re prepared to do it. And I am.”

When asked about building a large fiscal buffer against shocks, he said stability is the priority, showing he understands the need to reassure markets, but that more radical state transformation would come later.

“I believe stability is essential, and demonstrating a willingness to confront difficult realities is key. From that stability, we can earn the latitude to pursue larger changes that, ultimately, could strengthen the country’s public‑finance position,” he said.

“Stability must come first, but we must act within it. A major reform programme — which I believe the country needs — cannot be pursued amid chaos.”

Having ruled out a snap general election before 2029, Burnham said he wants to outline a clear route for the country to improve, adding that he hasn’t been “sitting politicking and strategising” but concentrating on solving problems.

His goal of giving people “a bit more belief that things can improve” nationwide, he said, would not stem from “endlessly running elections and referendums.”

He denied any talks with his senior team about calling an early election, saying, “The speculation bears no relation to internal discussion — there simply isn’t one,” and dismissed claims that he lacks a mandate, noting the public voted for Labour.

However, Burnham acknowledged he is constrained by tax policies and the fiscal rules set out in Keir Starmer’s manifesto, adding that he would have approached things differently if he had been in charge when those commitments were made.

“I’ve inherited these positions, and as I say, my priority is to focus on the present for people, not on self‑serving calculations or political games. That’s not where my head is; perhaps I would have framed things differently, but this is where we stand.”

Burnham downplayed speculation that Labour might increase support for energy bills, noting the price cap is set to rise sharply in January. “People should remember that measures have already been taken,” he said, referring to the upcoming removal of VAT on electricity bills.

The prime minister also repeated that, while he believes the welfare bill is too high, Labour MPs lack the appetite for “crude cuts” that would drive people into crisis, so a longer‑term reform approach is needed.

After highlighting both the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence at the UN last week, Burnham admitted he worries about rogue AI agents targeting UK state institutions, following the cyber‑attack on Australia’s Medicare system.

Burnham commented on far‑right protesters on British streets, accusing Daniel Thomas — who leads black‑clad anti‑migrant vigilantes in several English towns — of “creating fear,” though he stopped short of the home secretary Shabana Mahmood’s claim that Thomas is an “outright racist.”

Speaking of Thomas’s masked groups, he said, “That’s not Britain. That’s not what we want to see in our communities. There are legitimate concerns about issues, and then there is intimidation — and that is intimidation.”

The prime minister also discussed political funding, which has been under scrutiny after Reform UK received two record‑setting £36 million donations from cryptocurrency billionaires, saying that — contrary to some reports — he would not rule out introducing a domestic donations cap.

“We need to keep having cross‑party talks about how to maintain trust in politics and avoid creating the impression that politics can be bought or that people are unduly influenced.”

He also said he is open to reviewing election spending limits, which are currently under review by the Electoral Commission, and added that he has “real concerns” about politics fueled by cryptocurrency.

An emotional Burnham revealed that his father Roy’s death last week has strengthened his resolve to deliver. “I’m in this role for what I can do for people, not for what it can do for me … to enact the changes my dad, for example, long urged me to pursue,” he said.

“It’s been difficult, if I’m honest, stepping into this role over the past three months while knowing in my heart that I was beginning this journey just as my dad was ending his.”

“Although it’s tough, and I’m not looking for sympathy, I mention it because the convergence of these events deepens my determination to make a difference on the issues I’ve long wanted to fix.”

With political courage expected to be a highlight of his speech at the Labour conference in Liverpool, Burnham said he is ready to be candid with the public about what needs to happen, even if the truth is hard to hear.

“The public primarily wants honesty — no spin or self‑serving framing. They want honesty, and then they want difficult but genuine decisions,” said Burnham.

“It’s not about fetishizing difficult decisions; it’s about taking hold of the tough issues and moving forward. I don’t believe politics has been ready to do that sufficiently in recent years.”

Burnham criticised earlier governments for neglecting tough issues like social care, housing supply and youth unemployment, arguing that longer‑term reform is essential because there are no “easy or quick wins.”

He announced a new help‑to‑buy scheme designed to give first‑time buyers who cannot rely on the “bank of mum and dad” a path to homeownership. It will be funded by reallocating existing budgets — though which ones remain unspecified — rather than through additional borrowing.

Burnham also said he aims to make significant progress on social care reform — a manifesto pledge — before the next election. “Who will actually make it happen? I’m telling you that I will take direct action.”

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