Five takeaways from Andy Burnham's Labour conference speech - BBC News
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Five takeaways from Andy Burnham's Labour conference speech
By Brian Wheeler, Political reporter
Published 36 minutes ago
Andy Burnham delivered his first speech as Labour leader and Prime Minister at the party's conference in Liverpool. Here are five key points:
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Relaxed vibes, serious content: Burnham presented a relaxed, TED Talk-style delivery, without the traditional podium, but delivered a sober and serious address. He introduced new policies and spoke passionately about his working-class roots. There were few jokes, and he avoided references to Nigel Farage or Kemi Badenoch.
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Bringing back public control: Burnham focused on appealing to party members, promising to "break with the direction of the past 40 years" and restore traditional Labour values. He vowed to repeal Margaret Thatcher's privatisation of utilities and legislate for a path towards renationalisation over the next decade.
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Pensions triple lock gamble: Burnham kept his promise to honour the triple lock until the end of this Parliament but changed the formula from April 2030. Pensions will rise each year by the highest of inflation, earnings or 2.5%, with savings used to fund a planned National Care Service.
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Electoral reform cheered: Burnham announced a national commission on electoral reform, a key demand from many party members, who booed when he spoke about first-past-the-post voting system. He pledged to contest the next election on a manifesto commitment to change it.
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Emotional tribute to late father: Burnham paused and appeared overcome with emotion while paying tribute to his late father, Roy, who died from Alzheimer's this month. He spoke of how much he wished Roy could have seen him in Downing Street.