Andy Burnham pledges to show how policies will be paid for after ex-minister hits out at 'unfunded' tax cut

Summary

Andy Burnham says his government will show how it's "going to pay" for policies during his first cabinet meeting as prime minister
He also tells his ministers they must be "prepared to make difficult decisions" and form part of a "cost of living government" - a look at Burnham's first full day as PM
Earlier, Burnham said he would scrap VAT on household electricity bills in October, saving a typical household about £45 a year - here's what that could mean for you
Downing Street insists the plan is "fully funded" by scrapping Keir Starmer's planned digital ID scheme, after ex-minister Darren Jones said the ID scheme was itself "unfunded"
The Tories welcome the cut to energy costs, but question how it will be funded; the Lib Dems say the move doesn't go far enough; the Greens call for a "robust energy cap"
Meanwhile Burnham's "No 10 North" in Manchester will come at no extra cost to taxpayers, his spokesperson says

Live Reporting

Edited by Kieran Kelly and Ben Hatton, with reporting from chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman and cost of living correspondent Kevin Peachey

Badenoch warns Burnham over lack of 'clear plan'published at 05:23 BST 20 July

Image source, PA Media
In a letter published on Sunday evening, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has wished Burnham "every success" as prime minister, but warns he is entering office without "any clear plan".
"You have refused calls to come to Parliament for questions from MPs, and you have not submitted yourself to serious media scrutiny," Badenoch writes.
"This is not a promising start."
Her letter includes a promise of Conservative support to cut the benefits bill, something Badenoch says is “in the national interest" and will prevent Britain becoming "a welfare state with a country attached".
The Conservative leader also calls Burnham to make an “immediate difference” as prime minister in two different ways: by ruling out any new tax rises, and overturning the "destructive” ban on new oil and gas licences.
"Where we support your agenda, I will say so. But I will always stand against the instincts of Labour MPs for higher taxes and more spending," Badenoch finishes.
Andy Burnham to promise 'more breathing space' for Britainpublished at 05:13 BST 20 July
Joshua Tindall
Senior political journalist

Image source, PA Media
In his first Downing Street address as prime minister, Andy Burnham will argue that Britain faces a moment not for triumphalism but for honesty and reflection.
He will set out his priorities for restoring confidence in government and giving Britain more breathing room.
Burnham will say that he is "acutely conscious" of being the sixth person to walk up Downing Street in just 10 years, arguing that the unprecedented turnover in national leadership underlines the need for more stable and responsible politics.
He will describe the moment as one of "reflection and resolution", saying Britain must be honest about the challenges it faces while demonstrating that it can once again be recognised around the world for effective government.
Setting out his domestic priorities, Burnham will argue that political stability must deliver tangible improvements in people's lives, with a commitment to giving people more breathing room.
He will conclude on a message of optimism, arguing that Britain can once again look to the future with hope and unity.

Andy Burnham to be made new UK prime ministerpublished at 05:01 BST 20 July
Rorey Bosotti
Live page editor

Image source, Reuters
Nearly a month after he was sworn back into Parliament, Andy Burnham will today become the UK's new prime minister.
Burnham's appointment is the culmination of a whirlwind 10 weeks for the Labour Party; the result of a catastrophic performance in local elections in England and parliamentary votes in Scotland and Wales back in May.
After repeated assurances he would hold on to the top job, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced he would step down on 22 June - four days after Burnham won a Westminster seat.
Starmer's resignation triggered what ended up being a one-candidate race to No 10, with 379 Labour MPs nominating the former Greater Manchester mayor to become the new party leader - and, ultimately, the new PM.
Both Starmer and Burnham are expected to travel to Buckingham Palace later this morning - the former to formally resign and the latter to be invited to form a government.
All eyes will now be on the incoming prime minister and his choices for cabinet. Following his appointment as Labour leader on Friday, he said he had yet to decide who will be in his top team.
Stay with us for the latest updates and analysis from our correspondents.