A government spokesperson confirmed that Burnham and other prospective Prime Ministers would be able to engage with senior civil servants.

The Makerfield MP will be sworn in as an MP next week, and plans to speak with the Prime Minister to demand he set out a timetable for his departure from Downing Street

As the British prime minister weighs resigning as early as Monday, leader-in-waiting Andy Burnham needs to settle on an economic team.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce his departure timetable, paving the way for rival Andy Burnham.