Andy Burnham, who became Prime Minister on July 20, 2026, has made several policy pledges in his first week. According to verified reports, he announced plans to increase NHS funding by £5 billion annually, aimed at reducing waiting lists. He also pledged to build 150,000 new homes per year by 2028, focusing on affordable housing.
On transport, Burnham committed to renationalizing Northern Rail by 2027, a key campaign promise. However, he dropped a previous pledge to freeze energy prices, citing market volatility. No other major policy changes have been confirmed as of July 24, 2026.
Critics have questioned the feasibility of these pledges given the current economic climate. The government has not yet provided detailed costings for the NHS or housing plans. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
