Andy Burnham has used his first 100 days in power to announce a series of measures aimed at making everyday life easier for British households and businesses, while also reopening debate on the UK's relationship with the EU and setting out plans to overhaul public services. The prime minister promised to transform the way Britain works and restore hope after years of political division, and has maintained an unusually visible public profile through regular social media updates and appearances with public figures.
Burnham made what Downing Street describes as 'everyday fixes' central to his premiership. The removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills took effect on 1 October, with the government estimating an annualised saving of £45 for a typical household, although the temporary measure is funded only until March. A £2 cap on participating bus services in England outside London and new rules making subscriptions easier to cancel are due to start in January. The bus measure is partly funded by switching international climate finance from grants to loans, a decision criticised by development charities. However, questions remain about whether modest interventions can significantly improve living standards, particularly as the VAT cut on electricity bills is unlikely to help struggling households more reliant on gas.
Ending rough sleeping was among Burnham's earliest commitments, drawing on his experience as mayor of Greater Manchester. The government initially allocated £442m to tackle the problem and announced a further £432m on Sunday, bringing its total commitment to £874m over different funding periods. Burnham wants everyone sleeping rough in England to be offered a route off the streets or appropriate support before Christmas, though success depends on access to suitable accommodation and support services.
A major long-term proposal is Burnham's plan for a national care service in England, to be partly financed by reforming the state pension triple lock from 2030. The government plans to legislate during this parliament while maintaining the existing guarantee until then. Jonathan Cribb, deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, welcomed the proposed changes but said the savings 'will not be the answer to funding universal social care'. On broader management, Burnham promised greater consultation and less reliance on party discipline, including appointing members from Labour's left. However, tensions have emerged over immigration policy, with home secretary Shabana Mahmood facing opposition from Labour MPs over proposals requiring some migrant workers to wait 15 years before securing permanent residence.
Energy policy has presented a dilemma for Burnham. The government approved the Jackdaw North Sea gasfield, arguing domestic production supports energy security and employment. The development is expected to create only 27 new direct jobs and safeguard 273 existing positions. Environmental groups argue further fossil fuel production undermines climate commitments. On the EU, Burnham has revealed his personal desire to see Britain rejoin during his lifetime, while ruling out abandoning Labour's manifesto red lines during this parliament.
Burnham's communications strategy has attracted substantial online attention, with his daily social media updates and collaborations with public figures and online creators taking his message beyond traditional Westminster audiences. However, polling shows mixed public sentiment. An Ipsos survey conducted between 15 and 22 October put Labour on 32%, eight points ahead of the Conservatives, but 66% of those surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with government performance against 23% satisfied. YouGov polling revealed 46% viewed Burnham favourably and 42% unfavourably, with his net favourability rating falling from 13 points in August to four points. Opinium pollsters declared Burnham remains 'the only party leader with a positive net approval rating'.
For savers and borrowers, the VAT cut on electricity bills and the bus fare cap represent immediate modest cost reductions, though their impact depends on individual circumstances and whether measures continue beyond their initial funding periods.