Andy Burnham arrives in Downing Street with political momentum and public goodwill, but(balloon) the task ahead is daunting. He inherits a slowing economy shaken by the Iran conflict, strained public finances, mounting pressure on public services, and an increasingly volatile international environment.

At home, he must confront rising support for Reform UK and persistent concerns over immigration, while overseas he will need to navigate relations with Donald Trump, maintain Britain’s backing for Ukraine, and define a distinct approach to the war in Gaza. His experience as mayor of 70 million‑strong Greater Manchester, where he blended public investment with private partnerships, may not translate easily to a nation of almostosal.

The economy will dominate his early months. He has pledged to make Britain “more affordable” and to spread investment beyond London, but higher inflation and a need to restrain spending limit his options. He has refused to rule out a wealth tax, saying the country “might be having to ask for a little more.”

Balancing Britain’s alliance with Washington while preserving independent positions could prove one of the defining diplomatic challenges of his premiership, as he seeks to keep the UK’s core security commitments, including NATO, intact.