Andy Burnham, the newly elected Labour leader, outlined his first-week priorities on June 28, naming the NHS and cost of living as immediate concerns ahead of his expected appointment as Prime Minister following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation.

Burnham emerged as Labour leader after Starmer announced his departure on June 22, triggering a swift contest that the former Greater Manchester mayor won with backing from major trade unions and a broad section of the parliamentary party. He had secured a Commons seat through a recent by-election, removing a key obstacle to his path to No. 10.

Speaking on the BBC's Sunday programme, Burnham said he would move quickly to assemble a Cabinet and confirmed that discussions over senior appointments were already under way. He acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding figures linked to his transition team, including former civil servant Olly Robbins, but declined to confirm any individual roles.

Conservative politicians criticised the speed of the handover, with shadow ministers calling for an early general election to give Burnham a personal mandate. Liberal Democrat figures urged the incoming government to prioritise NHS waiting lists and social care reform, areas Burnham has long championed.

Burnham is expected to be formally invited to form a government in the coming days, completing one of the fastest leadership transitions in modern British politics.