Andy Burnham will abolish Keir Starmer's flagship digital ID programme and scrap the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology when he becomes prime minister on Monday, in a sweeping reset of government priorities.
The digital ID scheme, first announced last September to combat illegal working, faced a petition of nearly three million signatures and an estimated £1.8 billion cost over three years. Shadow technology secretary Julia Lopez accused Burnham of political theatre, while Lib Dem spokeswoman Lisa Smart called the reversal a "huge win" for her party.
The technology department's abolition has drawn sharp criticism. AI adviser Matt Clifford warned it would be a "big mistake", and the Startup Coalition cautioned that folding tech into a larger business department would dilute focus. Burnham is also expected to approve new North Sea oil and gas drilling, potentially at the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields.