Keir Starmer Resigns: What Could Andy Burnham Policies Look Like as Prime Minister?
Published / Last Updated on 23/06/2026
With Keir Starmer stepping down as Prime Minister and Andy Burnham returning to Parliament as an MP, political attention has rapidly shifted. The question dominating the conversation is simple: if Burnham were to become Prime Minister, what might his policy platform look like?
Before diving in, it’s worth remembering a universal truth about politics: all politicians — regardless of party colour — tend to promise more than they deliver, claim credit for successes rooted in their predecessors’ work, and blame those same predecessors for anything that goes wrong. Burnham is widely regarded as a capable and popular Mayor of Greater Manchester, but he is still a politician operating within that familiar ecosystem.
From a financial‑planning perspective, we’ve reviewed Burnham’s past statements, interviews and policy signals to outline what a Burnham‑led government might prioritise.
Please do check our research and any political claims against trusted sources.
1. Personal Taxes
A National Care Levy to Replace Inheritance Tax
Burnham has previously argued that the current inheritance tax system is outdated and unfair. His preferred alternative is a “national care levy”, designed to fund a system where social care is free at the point of need.
- Everyone would contribute,
- But the wealthiest households would pay the most.
This would represent one of the most significant reforms to social care funding in decades.
Land Value Tax (LVT)
Burnham has expressed support for replacing council tax and stamp duty with an annual land value tax, potentially around 0.45% of market value.
The rationale:
- A modest home in Dudley should not face a higher effective tax burden than a multi‑million‑pound flat in Knightsbridge.
- Wealthier landowners would pay proportionally more.
This would be a major structural shift in UK property taxation.
Income Tax: A Notable Silence
Burnham has consistently avoided committing to specific income‑tax changes. However, we believe a Burnham government should look to Scotland’s tiered model as a template for raising additional revenue.
For context, Scottish income‑tax bands for 2026 are:
- 19% Starter Rate (£0–£3,967)
- 20% Basic Rate (£3,968–£16,956)
- 21% Intermediate (£16,957–£43,662)
- 42% Higher (£43,663–£75,000)
- 45% Advanced (£75,000–£125,140)
- 48% Top Rate (£125,141+)
A similar structure in England could mean 1–3% increases for higher earners and raise an additional £13-£15 billion pa in revenue from English taxpayers alone.
2. Defence and Security
Burnham has previously supported a 10‑year strategic approach to defence, with a strong emphasis on:
- Reforming procurement,
- Prioritising British manufacturing,
- Creating jobs through “Made in Britain” rearmament,
- Improving value for money in defence spending.
This aligns with his broader industrial‑strategy instincts.
3. Business and Employment
Employer National Insurance
Burnham has suggested he would revisit the recent rise in employer National Insurance introduced by Rachel Reeves.
- Not a full reversal,
- But potentially a reduction to ease pressure on businesses.
Cutting Business Rates
Burnham has long argued that the UK must re‑industrialise, particularly across:
- The Midlands,
- The North of England,
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Lower business rates would be a key lever in that strategy.
4. Housing: A Post‑War Scale Council‑Home Programme
Burnham has been explicit: he wants the largest council‑house building programme since the Second World War.
His proposal:
- Redirect the entire £39bn Affordable Housing Programme into social‑rent homes,
- Prioritise long‑term affordability over short‑term ownership schemes.
This would mark a dramatic shift in UK housing policy.
5. Re‑Nationalisation and Public Ownership
Burnham has repeatedly called for public control of:
- Water,
- Energy,
- Rail and transport.
His argument is that public ownership would help reduce:
- Water bills,
- Energy bills,
- Rail fares.
He often cites the success of Greater Manchester’s £2 bus‑fare cap as evidence that public control can deliver lower costs.
HS2 Northern Leg
Burnham has been one of the most vocal advocates for reviving the Birmingham–Manchester leg of HS2, arguing that the North should not be permanently cut out of high‑speed rail investment.
Conclusion
A Burnham‑led government would likely focus on:
- Major tax reform,
- Large‑scale public ownership,
- Re‑industrialisation,
- A radical expansion of social housing,
- And a new funding model for social care.
Whether these ideas would survive the realities of office is another matter entirely — but they offer a clear sense of the direction he might take.
