20th July 2026
A new Prime Minister has little time to make a first impression.
History suggests that the first 100 days often shape public opinion for years to come. Voters understand that no government can solve every problem overnight, but they do expect clear signs of direction.
For Andy Burnham, the challenge is immense. Britain enters this new chapter with sluggish economic growth, stretched public services, stubbornly high living costs and government finances under severe pressure.
Every decision will send a message—not only to voters but also to businesses, investors and international markets.
Here are ten decisions that could reveal exactly what sort of Prime Minister Andy Burnham intends to be.
Will He Rewrite the Fiscal Rules?
This may be the single most important decision.
If Burnham believes Britain has suffered from years of under-investment, he may alter the fiscal rules to allow more borrowing for projects that improve long-term economic growth.
That would signal a government prepared to invest rather than simply balance the books.
Financial markets, however, will judge whether such borrowing remains affordable.
Will the Tax Burden Begin to Fall?
Frozen Income Tax thresholds have quietly increased the tax bill for millions of workers.
Ending fiscal drag would immediately put more money into people's pockets and provide a visible sign that the Government wants households to keep more of what they earn.
The difficulty is replacing the lost revenue.
How Burnham handles that problem will reveal much about his economic priorities.
Will North Sea Oil Receive a Reprieve?
Britain still relies heavily on oil and gas.
One early decision will be whether to approve new North Sea developments while continuing the transition towards cleaner energy.
For Scotland, and particularly communities linked to offshore industries, this could become one of the defining economic issues of the Parliament.
The balance between energy security, employment and environmental commitments will be closely watched.
Can He Get Britain Building Again?
Successive governments have promised more homes, roads, railways and energy infrastructure.
Few have delivered at the pace many hoped.
If Burnham wants stronger economic growth, planning reform may become one of his first major battles.
The question is whether local opposition will slow progress once again.
What Happens to Public Transport?
As Mayor of Greater Manchester, transport became Burnham's trademark policy.
Now he has the opportunity to reshape public transport across England.
Integrated ticketing, improved bus services and investment outside London would all demonstrate his commitment to reducing regional inequality.
Better transport also makes it easier for businesses to grow and recruit workers.
Will Living Costs Fall?
Every household wants the answer to this question.
Although governments cannot directly control global oil prices, food costs or interest rates, they can influence energy policy, housing supply, competition and taxation.
People will judge Burnham less on economic theories than on whether they feel financially better off six months from now.
Will Local Government Receive More Power?
Burnham has long argued that decisions should be made closer to local communities.
That could mean giving councils and regional authorities greater control over transport, housing, planning and economic development.
For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, it may also reopen wider debates about devolution and constitutional change.
What Will Be Done About Welfare?
The cost of welfare continues to rise while many families remain under financial pressure.
Burnham has often argued that good employment is the best route out of poverty.
Expect reforms that focus on helping more people into work while continuing support for those unable to work.
Finding the right balance between compassion and affordability will not be easy.
Can Business Confidence Be Restored?
Investment creates jobs, and jobs generate tax revenue.
Businesses will be looking for certainty.
Stable tax policy, simpler regulation, support for innovation and faster planning decisions could encourage firms to invest.
Without stronger private sector investment, faster economic growth becomes much harder to achieve.
Will Britain Finally Have a Long-Term Economic Plan?
Perhaps the biggest criticism of recent governments has been that policies often changed with each Budget.
Businesses prefer stability.
Investors prefer certainty.
Households like to know what lies ahead.
If Burnham can present a credible ten-year strategy covering energy, housing, transport, taxation and economic growth, it could become the defining achievement of his early premiership.
The Verdict
The first 100 days are rarely about completing reforms.
They are about showing intent.
Markets will be looking for credibility.
Businesses will be looking for confidence.
Households will be looking at their bank balances.
For many people, the question is surprisingly simple.
Will life feel easier a year from now than it does today?
If the answer eventually becomes "yes", Andy Burnham's first 100 days may be remembered as the beginning of a successful government.
If not, the honeymoon could prove remarkably short.
Looking Beyond the Headlines
For readers here in Caithness and across the Highlands, these decisions are not distant events taking place in Westminster.
They could influence investment in the North Sea, transport links, fuel prices, electricity costs, business confidence and household budgets.
Whatever your political views, the first 100 days will offer the clearest indication yet of the direction Britain is about to take—and whether the promised change will be felt in communities far beyond London.