Incoming leader to pledge more breathing room in first speech as prime minister

The incoming prime minister will promise to give people "more breathing room" when delivering the first speech outside No 10 on Monday. The address is expected to describe the moment as one of "reflection and resolution" and to note the country's high turnover of prime ministers in recent years.

The speaker will also argue that political stability must deliver tangible improvements for households.

The new prime minister will formally take office after the outgoing leader meets the monarch on Monday to offer resignation. The monarch will then meet the incoming leader shortly afterward and ask that a government be formed. Once the invitation is accepted, the new prime minister will head to Downing Street for the speech.

The incoming administration has indicated it will scrap plans for a government-issued digital ID for all adults. Plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea are also expected to be reviewed, with any activity limited to sites that already hold licences.

Opposition parties have urged the new prime minister to call a general election to secure a mandate. Labour's deputy leader stated that the incoming leader would remain within the 2024 manifesto commitments while pursuing bolder measures. The Conservative leader described the incoming prime minister as a "people pleaser" and said the country needed someone prepared to take tough decisions.