The next UK prime minister, likely Andy Burnham, faces major climate and energy challenges after Keir Starmer's resignation. Key issues include cutting emissions 87% by 2040 under the seventh carbon budget, lowering high energy prices driven by gas price spikes, and decarbonizing 26 million homes with heat pumps. Burnham's record as Manchester mayor shows support for carbon neutrality by 2038, but his openness to North Sea drilling raises questions. Pressure from the US to expand oil and gas exploration clashes with the UK's current ban. Burnham may pursue public ownership of energy to lower costs and fund grid upgrades. Climate adaptation is also urgent as heat waves increase. His national climate plans remain unclear, making this a pivotal moment for UK decarbonization policy.
