Sir Keir Starmer's departure from Number 10 has become the leading story in Tuesday's national newspapers, with widespread focus on the immediate succession of Andy Burnham. Photographs of a smiling Mr Burnham, taking a selfie with Labour colleagues inside Westminster after his swearing-in, feature prominently in titles such as The Sun, The Times, The i Paper, and The Telegraph.
The new Prime Minister is expected to waste no time in setting out his policy agenda, with reports in The Guardian and The Times indicating that a series of speeches will commence next week. These addresses are anticipated to cover key areas, with an initial emphasis on the economy and the intricate issue of devolution. Furthermore, the Financial Times reports that officials have confirmed Mr Burnham is also preparing to receive defence and security briefings, ensuring he is equipped to handle some of Whitehall's most sensitive matters from the outset of his premiership.
Attention is also turning to the composition of Mr Burnham's new Cabinet. The Times suggests that the choice for Chancellor of the Exchequer will likely come from a shortlist comprising Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, or Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The paper notes that Mr Burnham is yet to finalise his decision, reportedly keen to avoid any appearance of factionalism as he builds his top team.
However, Mr Burnham's swift rise has not been without immediate scrutiny. Several newspapers highlight a pointed jibe from a Conservative MP who reportedly shouted, "He's not the Messiah," as Mr Burnham returned to the Commons. This sentiment is echoed in the Daily Mail's headline, "Messiah without a Mandate," which draws attention to the possibility of Mr Burnham becoming Prime Minister without a direct challenge for the leadership. The Telegraph, however, suggests that Mr Burnham's light-hearted response – that he was "just a naughty boy" – exemplifies a key reason for his popularity within Labour, with columnist Tim Stanley remarking on his perceived relatability compared to his predecessor.
Away from the political upheaval, national attention is also firmly fixed on the severe heatwave gripping the UK. With only the second-ever red heat health alert in place for Wednesday and Thursday, The Guardian warns rail passengers that many companies are advising against non-essential travel. The extreme temperatures pose significant risks to railway infrastructure, potentially causing steel rails to expand, increasing the likelihood of overhead wire failures, and leading to the overheating of signalling and electrical systems.