Andy Burnham beset just 60 days into power as damning leak exposes 'copy and paste' PM

Just 60 days into his premiership, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham is beset with Labour infighting, as a leak from Downing Street reveals how Sir Keir Starmer planned to stay in power, leaving Mr Burnham to swoop in and pick up the pieces.

In a revelation by Sky News, the leaked document shows how the former Prime Minister had a laundry list of policies drawn up to save him before his inevitable resignation, which have been adopted by Andy Burnham.

The documents are reported to show that of the 50 policy ideas included, 20 were announced by Sir Keir before his departure in July, six have already been announced by Andy Burnham, and a further eight are expected to be announced within weeks.

There are also 16 more ideas worked up by Whitehall, but were not announced by either Prime Minister, although some could be included in Mr Burnham's 10-year plan.

Former Labour political adviser John McTernan called the leak the "the last of knockings of Sir Keir Starmer's allies".

Meanwhile, Green deputy leader Rachel Millward challenged Mr Burnham to "prove" he's not running a continuity government.

Chancellor John Healey had earlier told reporters that Mr Burnham is running a “continuity” government, just with a change of leader - a statement that was met with backlash after the party had made an effort to distance itself from Sir Keir's government.

Andy Burnham had campaigned in Makerfield under the guise of a new Labour that would put money back into people's pockets, however with no general election, he is bound to fulfil the party manifesto from 2024.

With no real mandate for radical deviation, Conservative shadow minister Saqib Bhatti said the documents only further prove that Mr Burnham "is the 'copy and paste' prime minister".

Reform leader Nigel Farage argued that Mr Healey and Mr Burnham will deliver "more taxes and more failure," claiming the Cabinet switch represents no real change for the country.

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Irish PM to become first world leader to visit No10 North today

Ireland's Prime Minister will become the first international leader to visit Number 10 North later today.

Andy Burnham will host Taoiseach Micheal Martin in Manchester, which he described as a "historic moment and a proud day" for the city.

It will be the first time the two leaders have met, and the pair are expected to discuss how they can strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Andy Burnham said: "There is so much we can achieve together: from our shared commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, to trade, to working with Europe and supporting Ukraine.

"We are the closest of friends, and I look forward to further strengthening that friendship."