UK Prime Minister's First Day: Cabinet Changes, Policy Debate, and Mixed Media Reaction

Pictures of the UK's new prime minister outside No 10 are plastered across the front pages. The Guardian says Andy Burnham's arrival in Downing Street gives Labour "an opportunity for a second hearing with the public, external, but could also unleash yet more instability".

The Daily Mail calls the purge of many of Sir Keir Starmer's allies from the cabinet "the night of the long eyelashes", external, referencing Burnham's much-discussed winkers. The Financial Times notes that appointing John Healey as chancellor may come with a "hefty price tag", external, due to the former defence secretary's previous demands for more military spending.

There are contradictory reports as to whether the new prime minister will bring in a 50p income tax rate for high earners, to fund a potential increase in the personal allowance for people on lower incomes. The i Paper says the idea hasn't been ruled out., external But according to the Times, his allies have insisted that he won't introduce the higher rate. , external

The editorials are mixed about the prime minister's first day in the job. The Guardian compares his messaging to the post-1945 Labour government, external, which it says "delivered lasting progress through a revitalised state". But the Daily Mail likens it to "a bad 1970s tribute act", external, complete with "renationalisation, reindustrialisation" and a "bigger and more meddlesome state". The Daily Express says the prime minister needs a "reality check", external. It calls for every decision to be "properly costed and fully funded." The Daily Mirror notes his promise of cost of living support offers "hope to millions", external.