Andy Burnham poised to become UK Prime Minister as tax reform debate intensifies

Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is expected to become the United Kingdom’s next prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation. With no other challenger, Burnham could be confirmed as Labour leader and prime minister by mid‑July. He has backed a replacement for council tax and stamp duty with a proportional property levy of about 0.48 % of a home’s value, a change that analysis says would increase annual bills for many London households by roughly £1,000 while lowering costs for lower‑income households. Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves has publicly supported Burnham’s premiership, while senior minister Darren Jones praised his economic plans and urged him to set out detailed policies. The selection of a new chancellor is contested, with unions warning against appointing Ed Miliband due to his green‑spending stance. A YouGov poll shows the public is almost evenly split on Burnham – 34 % favourable, 38 % unfavourable, and 29 % unsure – giving him a net rating of –4. Burnham’s meeting with Starmer and his upcoming briefings with the civil service signal a rapid transition, while debates continue over his proposed tax reforms and potential cabinet appointments.