Today's BBC London’s Lunchtime News focused on what Andy Burnham becoming Prime Minister could mean for the capital, with Cllr Paul Swaddle warning that Westminster’s success matters to the whole country.
Paul said:
“Growth means growing the whole economy and Westminster council area, 8.3 square miles, is 4% of the economic output of the entire country.
That’s how big and significant we are.
And if they mess up Westminster, it messes up London and messes up the country."
Watch the interview in full or read the summary below.
Victoria Cook, BBC London: Welcome to BBC London this lunchtime. As we’ve been hearing, Andy Burnham has officially become Prime Minister in the last couple of hours. He is the UK’s fifth Prime Minister in four years. But what will this new PM mean for the capital, and how will it affect everyone living here?
Karl Mercer, BBC London: Andy Burnham’s first stop this morning was not Downing Street or Buckingham Palace, but a London homelessness shelter. It was the best place to start and see what is being done here, and the lives that are being turned around.
Karl Mercer, BBC London: In another kitchen not far away, Harry is hard at work in what’s reported to be the new Prime Minister’s favourite London chippy. He was clear about what he wants from his former customer: lower energy prices for households, businesses and big industry.
Karl Mercer, BBC London: The new Prime Minister has promised not to neglect the South in favour of the North, and today there was this warning from the man running Westminster Council, where Andy Burnham’s new home and office are based.
Cllr Paul Swaddle, Westminster Council: Growth means growing the whole economy, and Westminster Council area, 8.3 square miles, is 4% of the economic output of the entire country. That’s how big and significant we are. And if they mess up Westminster, it messes up London and messes up the country.
Karl Mercer, BBC London: London is also home to some of the poorest communities in the country. Across many measures, it faces acute and severe challenges, including high levels of child poverty, health inequality and air pollution. It is hoped that Andy Burnham will prioritise London as somewhere that needs help. London and its mayor will have to fight for their voice at the top table, although that may be helped by the fact that a senior figure who was with Sadiq Khan last Friday, when Burnham was unveiled as Labour leader, has now left City Hall to work for the new Prime Minister.
Broadcast Monday 20 July 2026
