LONDON — British Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired his first Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, a day after taking office, telling ministers his government must focus on easing the cost of living, according to the government and reports of the meeting.
Burnham, who became prime minister on July 20 after replacing Keir Starmer, told his newly appointed ministers he wanted to lead a "cost of living government" and give people a sense that help was coming, ITV News reported.
The meeting at 10 Downing Street came as Burnham began work with a new ministerial team. The government said Burnham had become prime minister on July 20, while his official biography lists him as leader of the Labour Party from July 16.
Burnham's first major policy announcement was a plan to reduce VAT on household electricity bills from 5% to zero from October, according to ITV News. The government also said Burnham had spoken with the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, emphasizing practical cooperation and deeper devolution.
The new prime minister said in his first speech outside Downing Street that Britain needed to regain stability and that his government would seek to make politics work better, according to an official transcript.
Burnham's government is now continuing to establish its priorities and implement its initial policies, with further details expected as the new administration begins its work.
