Starmer exits as OECD urges triple-lock cut
Keir Starmer chairs his final cabinet as Andy Burnham prepares to take power, while the OECD warns the incoming government must scrap the pensions triple-lock to repair the UK's strained public finances.
Keir Starmer is chairing his final cabinet meeting today and will take his last Prime Minister's Questions at noon before leaving office. Cabinet ministers presented the departing leader with a bespoke carriage clock. Andy Burnham, who is set to announce his new cabinet on Monday, is now at the finish line of the Labour leadership contest.
The transition occurs as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development issued a direct warning to the incoming administration. The OECD urged Labour to ditch the triple-lock pensions promise to help tackle the UK’s straitened public finances. This presents an immediate fiscal test for Burnham as he prepares to take charge.
The handover has been accompanied by political manoeuvring. The government changed Commons business to block a Conservative opposition day vote intended to delay the six-week summer recess. The Tories wanted the delay so Burnham could address MPs before they left, but a minister claimed the priority was instead a debate on Iran.
On the regulatory front, the government is implementing new online safety rules that directly affect technology companies. Online safety minister Kanishka Narayan announced a voluntary midnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds. He stated that Britain is now "firmly on the side in terms of regulation of families and parents, not tech platforms."
Burnham is also facing pressure to overhaul political infrastructure. Rushana Ali, a former minister who helped draft the government's elections bill, described the legislation as "timid" and "limited". She urged the incoming prime minister to adopt a much bolder approach to electoral reform.
The leadership changes extend beyond Westminster. Ken Skates has been confirmed as the new leader of Welsh Labour after receiving unanimous backing from colleagues. He takes over following a historic defeat in May that left the party with just nine Senedd seats. Skates said his focus remains on ensuring that "no child’s future should be determined by their background."
