Andy Burnham is preparing to launch a significant policy blitz in his initial days and weeks as the new leader of the Labour Party. Sources indicate that his team is aiming to 'hit the ground running' with a flurry of appearances and announcements following his ascent to the leadership.

Burnham's path to this position has been long and complex. He first publicly expressed his ambitions for Downing Street in 2010 after Labour's general election defeat, contesting the leadership vacancy. He made a second bid in 2015, again losing out to candidates who themselves were later unsuccessful in general elections. This upcoming period marks what supporters hope will be his third, and successful, attempt to lead the party.

In recent days, Burnham and his team have been engaged in 'access talks' with the civil service, discussing government plans and initial events. While Burnham has stated that decisions about his top team are still being finalized, the process of forming his government is accelerating. The selection of key ministerial roles is seen as crucial, shaping the government's outlook, style, and priorities.

The implications of this rapid transition are significant, as Burnham faces the challenge of quickly establishing his authority and outlining his policy agenda. The speed at which this leadership change has occurred has left some within his team feeling rushed in their preparations.

The Institute for Government notes that there are 149 ministerial posts, held by 122 individuals, highlighting the complexity of forming a new government. The process involves balancing political considerations, gender representation, geographical diversity, and experience, a task that even current cabinet ministers have reportedly been kept in the dark about.

Burnham's supporters have expressed a sense of urgency and the culmination of a long-held ambition. One supporter admitted that after 16 years of considering leadership, the recent weeks have felt like a rush.

Despite earlier obstacles, including being barred from standing for a parliamentary seat in January by the outgoing leader Sir Keir Starmer, Burnham now finds himself poised to assume leadership. Starmer is expected to vacate Downing Street imminently, with a removal van already observed.

The handover of power, which has been ongoing, has now intensified. Burnham has also begun receiving national security briefings, a standard procedure for an incoming prime minister. The coming weekend is critical for finalizing the remaining personnel decisions before the new administration's public debut.