Burnham sets out 'new path' for Britain, vows to seek consensus on ties with EU

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham vowed to reshape Britain during his emotional first speech as party leader at the Labour's annual gathering. The 56-year-old, who served as Manchester's mayor for a decade, choked back tears while recalling his late father's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Burnham laid out his plans to introduce free social care, reform the electoral system, and controversially adjust pensions.

He acknowledged the potential political ramifications of these policies, stating that he may face a price for his actions. Burnham aimed to break with the past 40 years of privatization and usher in a new era of public control over essential services like housing, energy, and water. He pledged to create a National Care Service, free at the point of use, although not until after the 2029 general election.

The prime minister also addressed the need to invest in Britain's electricity grid and reconsider ties with the European Union. Despite his optimistic tone, Burnham's proposals have been criticized by the right-wing Reform UK party, which called his pension reforms an attack on the elderly.