What would prime minister Burnham look like for the built environment?

By Daniel Gayne2026-06-19T11:59:00

The new MP for Makerfield still has a way to go if he wants to take Keir Starmer’s job. But with his ascent to Number 10 looking more likely by the day, Daniel Gayne breaks down what his policy agenda might look like for housing, infrastructure and skills

Andy Burnham is an MP.

From 2001 until 2017, the years the ex-mayor of Greater Manchester was last in Westminster, this would simply have been a banal statement of fact. But this morning it has much greater significance.

After a resounding victory in the Makerfield by-election, everyone is now expecting Burnham - through one means or another - to challenge Keir Starmer for his job as prime minister. Most expect he would win such a battle.

What would that mean for the built environment?

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