Burnham scraps Starmer's digital ID scheme in first act as Labour leader

Andy Burnham, declared Labour leader on 17 July 2026 after running unopposed, used his first speech to confirm he would scrap the digital ID scheme announced by Sir Keir Starmer. Deputy leader Powell called it a "small example of reprioritising" and a chance to "reset" government priorities, citing the scheme's "not insignificant amount of money."