The Andy Burnham Labour conference speech marked his first address as prime minister, warning delegates that his policy promises will require time and face strict financial constraints.

An emotional and solitary address

Burnham wrote the conference speech almost entirely alone, working on the text until the final minute. Close friends saw the speech just the night before the event as he continued reworking it. The official slogan for the Labour conference was Hope Again.

During the address, Burnham was overcome with emotion at the moment he spoke about his father, Roy, who died two weeks ago. He paused for an extended period, which caused one member of the audience to cry out encouragement for him. Burnham shared an anecdote about the care of his dad, Roy, and the home in Old Roan in Merseyside bought by his grandmother Kitty, which was sold to pay for her care.

Policy targets and financial limits

The prime minister stated he is constrained by his own party manifesto and the state of the public finances. He expressed a desire to implement changes faster but acknowledged financial limitations, stating he must be honest about what the country can afford.

The prime minister added that while he wishes to proceed more rapidly, he must remain realistic about the economic resources available to the country.

The prime minister warned he would make choices that would be a harsh comedown from the current euphoric mood. His specific policy targets include:

• •social care
• •the triple lock
• •Brexit
• •public control of water
• •council homes
• •the voting system

He made a promise that future generations will never happen under a new national care service, referring to the need to sell homes to pay for care. The national care service can only be paid for if the party ditches its tax pledges. The party will overhaul the triple lock by 2030. Labour will explore a customs union, the single market, even rejoining, outside the manifesto red lines.

Burnham criticized the political right regarding public ownership, stating they gave away the control they claim to want back.

Cabinet concerns and electoral context

Cabinet ministers reported that meetings overrun with the new prime minister because he wants to argue, understand, and persuade. A cabinet minister expressed concern about the impatience of the country for change and the risk of being told to wait. The minister warned that people need to start feeling actual benefits next year, noting they have got less time than they might think.

Burnham made no reference to either Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage in his speech. A YouGov poll on the eve of Burnham's speech put Reform UK back in first place. There is no sign of revival yet in Wales or Scotland for the Labour Party.

The prime minister faces the challenge of managing public impatience for change while navigating strict financial limits and a narrow polling deficit to Reform UK.

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