Starmer meets Burnham in ‘frosty’ talks as transition to power begins
Keir Starmer has held his first meeting with Andy Burnham since the Makerfield by-election, in talks described by sources as “frosty” as the prime minister and his expected successor began early discussions on a transition of power.
The roughly hour-long meeting took place away from Downing Street, according to people briefed on the talks, and came after Burnham’s return to Westminster following his by-election win. It was the first direct conversation between the two since that vote, which has reshaped the internal balance of the Labour Party and accelerated expectations of an orderly handover at the top.
Starmer has agreed in principle that Burnham should be able to begin access talks with senior civil servants, including briefings linked to national security and preparations for government. The arrangements are similar to those usually afforded to opposition leaders ahead of a general election, though in this case they are being applied in the context of an internal leadership transition rather than a national vote.
A Downing Street source said the atmosphere of the meeting reflected the strain between the two camps. “It wasn’t the warmest. Frosty, even,” the insider said, adding that while Starmer was committed to an organised transfer, there was little goodwill behind the scenes. Another ally of the prime minister said he intended to ensure continuity but would not grant Burnham a prolonged transition period, despite pressure from parts of the Labour movement for more time to prepare.
“There was a strong push from the Burnham camp to be given longer,” one ally said. “But why should they tell Keir they want him out, then expect him to manage the ship through a potentially difficult summer.”
Burnham’s supporters, meanwhile, have expressed frustration at the compressed timetable, arguing that the transition period is far shorter than governments typically receive. One senior figure in his team said the situation would force rapid preparation. “We’ll just have to do it in three weeks,” the source said, adding that the limited time could sharpen focus across policy and personnel decisions.
Starmer has told colleagues he wants to resolve key outstanding issues before leaving office, including elements of a defence investment plan that Downing Street regards as already settled. His spokesperson said Starmer would avoid introducing any major new policy or spending commitments before leaving office, arguing that this is meant to prevent binding decisions for the next leadership.
The defence investment plan is still expected to go ahead despite internal debate, with allies of Burnham indicating they are prepared to live with it, although some figures close to him would have preferred to make a final call after taking office.
Within Labour, views on Burnham’s readiness for the role remain split. Some backbench MPs question his experience in foreign affairs and defence, while his supporters point to his previous cabinet posts and nearly a decade as mayor of Greater Manchester as evidence that he has been tested in executive office. A number of MPs involved in his transition team argue that groundwork has already been under way for weeks.
That team includes senior Labour figures such as Louise Haigh, Ed Miliband, Miatta Fahnbulleh and former Makerfield MP Josh Simons, alongside MPs Anneliese Midgley and Sally Jameson. Burnham has also been meeting groups of backbenchers in Westminster since his return, keeping a relatively low profile in public while shaping his early policy direction.
According to people close to him, Burnham intends to begin setting out his programme in a series of speeches from next week, including a focus on economic growth within existing fiscal rules. His broader agenda is expected to include affordability pressures, devolution, employment for young people and changes to the housing of asylum seekers in HMOs.
Under current Labour Party plans, if Burnham remains unopposed for the leadership, a special conference could be held on 17 July to confirm the result, paving the way for him to assume office shortly afterwards.
For now, both sides are publicly committed to avoiding a disorderly transition, even as tensions remain evident. One Labour figure described the situation as unusually compressed for a leadership handover, with negotiations over timing and access still continuing alongside the political manoeuvring already under way in Westminster.