Burnham says he is finalising cabinet before taking office as PM

Highlights:

• Burnham to announce cabinet on Monday
• Social care reform among top priorities
• PM-designate pledges 'one Labour team'
• Opposition calls for fresh general election

Incoming UK prime minister Andy Burnham said today (17 July) he was finalising his cabinet and would announce his top team on Monday, when he formally takes office following an audience with King Charles III.

Speaking after being elected leader of the governing Labour Party, Burnham said he would not reveal his cabinet appointments before entering Downing Street, reports BBC.

"I am finalising those decisions, and I will come to conclusions very shortly, and then I will announce those on Monday," he told reporters.

Earlier in his victory speech, Burnham declared, "I have a plan," as he outlined his vision for a "distinctively Labour" government focused on devolution, economic renewal and rebuilding public services.

Asked why he had not yet announced his cabinet, Burnham said doing so before formally becoming prime minister would be premature.

"It would be somewhat premature and would, I think, cause complete chaos if you start half a reshuffle before you're in the position," he said.

Speculation over key cabinet positions has intensified, with Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood reportedly among the contenders to succeed Rachel Reeves as chancellor.

Social care a priority

Although his leadership speech contained few detailed policy announcements, Burnham identified reforming England's social care system as one of his government's top priorities.

He said he was prepared to spend significant political capital on fixing what he described as a long-neglected sector.

"My dad has Alzheimer's, and you see what the staff have to put up with. It's not their fault. The system's broken," he said.

"You can't leave social care like this. And this is part of my criticism of Westminster. It has flinched over the years from these big decisions."

Burnham previously proposed creating a National Care Service while serving as health secretary under former prime minister Gordon Brown.

'One Labour team'

In his acceptance speech, Burnham pledged to unite the Labour Party and avoid internal divisions.

"We won't beat Britain's new right if we are consumed by infighting and pulling in different directions," he said.

He added that his government would be guided by "problem-solving rather than point-scoring" and said cabinet appointments would reflect "all parts of our party" and "all communities".

Burnham also reiterated his commitment to devolving more powers from Westminster, reindustrialising Britain and restoring hope to working-class communities.

Opposition reacts

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticised Burnham's appointment, saying he had "absolutely no mandate of any kind at all" and calling for an immediate general election.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed Burnham's pledge to pursue a more collaborative style of politics, saying his party was willing to work with the new government on issues including water reform, the NHS and social care.

Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake urged Burnham to recall Parliament, which is in summer recess, so he could present his plans to MPs after taking office.

Burnham, who returned to Parliament through a by-election last month, will succeed Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday after Starmer stepped down as Labour leader following mounting pressure within the party.