UK prime minister in waiting Andy Burnham has said he will end the “days of a school system configured entirely around the university route” in his first major speech as a Labour leadership candidate, promising to also put universities at the heart of his plans to create an “innovation nation”.
Speaking in Manchester on the 29 June, Burnham outlined his vision for the country after winning the Makerfield by-election, a victory that prompted current prime minister Keir Starmer to resign.
Burnham has announced he will campaign to replace Starmer, with potential opponents running out of time to put their names forward to stand against him. If Burnham is the only candidate in the leadership contest, he could be confirmed as prime minister as early as 17 July.
Echoing comments made on the campaign trail, Burnham promised to reshape the country’s tertiary education system – with less of a focus on getting people into university.
“The days of a school system configured entirely around the university route will be brought to an end,” said Burnham.
