Burnham's policy choices reveal what kind of PM he wants to be
Newly elected Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that ending rough sleeping will be his government's top priority. The policy reflects his 'Manchesterism' approach and aims to demonstrate his commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.
Why it matters
This signals a shift in UK domestic policy priorities and establishes the political tone for the new administration's governance style.
Image source, Reuters By Iain Watson Political correspondent Published 14 minutes ago Andy Burnham has been very tight-lipped about policies he would pursue when he moved into Number 10 but we now know more about what his priorities will be – and what it tells about the kind of prime minister he wants to be.
His main announcement on day one in the job - before he had even walked through the doors at Number 10 - was about rough sleeping.
In an email to Labour members, sent shortly after he delivered his speech, he said: "We are going to end rough sleeping in this country at the first opportunity.
"People have told me it would take decades. Some say it's impossible. I'm not having that."
This, he tells Labour members and supporters, "shows you exactly what kind of government I intend to lead".
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