Andy Burnham latest: Prime minister-in-waiting set to become Labour leader within hours

Andy Burnham has declined to rule out introducing a wealth tax and suggested the government “might be having to ask for a little more” at some point to balance Britain’s books.

The incoming prime minister said he needed time to look at the state of the public finances before committing to policy changes but argued a “greater sense of fairness” was needed.

The Makerfield MP also indicated he would be willing to disagree with Donald Trump, promising to be “very upfront” while “respecting the office” as he faced questions about his approach to a strained transatlantic relationship.

On the prospect of a tax rise for the “super rich”, he told Gary Lineker for Goalhanger: “I’m not going to rule things out right now. I do believe we need a greater sense of fairness and people feeling that things are being done in the right way and a fair way.

“But at the same time, you know, I don’t want to sort of be perceived as somebody who’s coming in with grudges and agendas and, you know, going to just immediately find or demonise one group or create a new way of dividing people.”

Shabana Mahmood is widely expected to be named as Andy Burnham’s chancellor after the prime-minister-in-waiting’s inner circle objected to his original choice, Ed Miliband, The Independent understands.

The home secretary has impressed many with her sure-footed handling of the immigration crisis and she is seen as a chancellor who will keep the markets calm when the new government takes over on Monday.

The UK’s support for Ukraine “will not waver” and the prime ministerial transition will not “change that dynamic”, Sir Keir Starmer has said on his final visit to Kyiv while in office.

The outgoing prime minister met Volodymyr Zelensky in the Ukrainian capital on Thursday, just hours after a series of Russian strikes that killed two and injured six, including a teenager.

He also used the trip to pledge 300 million euros (£255 million) to help fund fighter jets to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences while supporting some 5,000 jobs in the UK.

Sir Keir’s visit comes on his final full day as Labour leader.

Andy Burnham will take over the party leadership at a special conference in London on Friday before entering Downing Street on Monday.

That handover of power would not change the relationship between the two nations, Sir Keir said at a press conference at Mr Zelensky’s official ceremonial residence.

He said: “The fact that there will be a new prime minister in the United Kingdom, in the days to come, doesn’t change that dynamic at all.

“The resolve of the United Kingdom remains the same, it will not waver.”

Andy Burnham has won the support of hundreds of MPs as well as several key Labour-affiliated unions needed to become the Labour Party leader.

He secured the backing of 349 Labour MPs earlier this week, meaning it is impossible for any other candidate to gain the 81 endorsements needed to challenge for the Labour leadership.

The TSSA transport union, Aslef, Community, GMB, Unison, Fire Brigades Union, Unite and shopworkers’ union Usdaw have also endorsed him.

Andy Burnham is expected to take over as Labour leader on Friday as he moves within touching distance of the premiership.

Provided nobody challenges him, he will be crowned as the party’s leader at a special conference in London at around midday.

There will then be a limbo period over the weekend when Sir Keir Starmer will remain as prime minister, but will no longer be Party leader.

Mr Burnham will then be coronated as prime minister on Monday.