Broadcast timeline
Sky News — Sky News Today with Sam Washington
Friday 17 July 2026 · 10:00 BST · 30m · 1 story · 8 annotated moments · 30 of 30 min on news stories (99%)
Broadcast overview
An AI-generated overview based on this broadcast's transcript.
Andy Burnham is set to become Labour leader today, with a formal transition of power beginning in central London. He has been nominated by 379 of 403 Labour MPs and all affiliated unions, effectively a coronation. He promises to focus on cost of living and social care, but his campaign has been described as based on 'vibes' rather than specific policies, with few details on how he will govern.
Speculation continues over his cabinet, with Shabana Mahmood tipped as Chancellor, causing a backlash from Ed Miliband supporters. Former IFS director Paul Johnson urged a focus on growth and cautioned against further borrowing, while Burnham's commitment to devolution was discussed as a long-term project. The programme also reviewed Burnham's political career and potential cabinet members.
- 0:11
- 2:07
Claim PM meets Scottish first minister, rules out independence referendum
Andy Burnham will become Labour leader at a special NEC meeting and then Prime Minister after Keir Starmer resigns.
Sky News, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, 17 July 2026, 2:07-2:11
- 2:15
Claim PM meets Scottish first minister, rules out independence referendum
Andy Burnham will become Labour leader at a special NEC meeting and then Prime Minister after Keir Starmer resigns.
Sky News, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, 17 July 2026, 2:15-2:23
- 2:15
Claim PM meets Scottish first minister, rules out independence referendum
Andy Burnham will become Labour leader at a special NEC meeting and then Prime Minister after Keir Starmer resigns.
Sky News, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, 17 July 2026, 2:15-2:23
- 2:15
Claim PM meets Scottish first minister, rules out independence referendum
Andy Burnham will become Labour leader at a special NEC meeting and then Prime Minister after Keir Starmer resigns.
Sky News, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, 17 July 2026, 2:15-2:23
- 3:35
Claim PM meets Scottish first minister, rules out independence referendum
Keir Starmer was not present at the event as he was returning from Ukraine.
Sky News, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, 17 July 2026, 3:35-3:40
- 4:20
Contested quote PM meets Scottish first minister, rules out independence referendum
What are you picking up? What do you think we should expect? My goodness, Sophie, you are completely right. Look, we are in a situation where Andy Burnham effectively has gained the crown uncontested. It is a coronation. One person said it was a conclave. There wasn't even any sense of choice. From the moment he announced he was standing for the Makerfield by election,
Sky News, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, 17 July 2026, 4:20-4:21
- 5:58
Claim PM meets Scottish first minister, rules out independence referendum
Shabana Mahmoud is now seen as the front runner for Chancellor, with Ed Miliband falling out of favour.
Sky News, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, 17 July 2026, 5:58-6:08
- 6:01
Claim PM meets Scottish first minister, rules out independence referendum
Shabana Mahmoud is now seen as the front runner for Chancellor, with Ed Miliband falling out of favour.
Sky News, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, 17 July 2026, 6:01-6:08
Source: Sky News, "Sky News Today with Sam Washington", Friday 17 July 2026. Transcript excerpts and stills are shown only to support the analysis annotated alongside them. Search-result excerpts are distinct from the editorial annotations — see our copyright basis. The full broadcast is not reproduced.