Andy Burnham is expected to become prime minister on July 20, backed by 322 of the 403 Labour MPs in a rapid ascent to power.
Senior adviser Miatta Fahnbulleh, who has drawn up policy plans for a Burnham government, said the incoming administration will prioritise the cost of living crisis, with immediate proposals on energy and transport costs and potential business rate cuts for some retailers. Burnham also plans to spend the summer rebuilding support in areas where Labour has lost ground.
Outgoing Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who signalled her tenure at the Treasury is ending, confirmed Burnham has been preparing for a leadership bid for at least a year and said he must have a detailed plan because "governing in Britain is hard." Reeves, who supports his devolution agenda, declined to call the removal of winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners a mistake.