Andy Burnham will host business leaders, entrepreneurs and regional mayors at Downing Street on Monday, part of a push to present his government as a "partner for growth" ahead of the first budget of his premiership. The prime minister said the UK has the talent and universities to succeed but needs "a culture shift in how Britain does business", pledging to "reindustrialise Britain" through closer cooperation with the private sector.

The event includes a roundtable with entrepreneurs from firms such as Octopus Energy, Revolut, Starling Bank and Oxford Quantum Circuits, followed by a reception with chief executives from major companies including HSBC, BP, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, alongside regional mayors. It comes as Burnham and Chancellor John Healey prepare for their budget on 28 October, amid rising borrowing costs, fallout from the Iran war and warnings from economists that higher energy costs could dampen growth and force further tax rises, even after unexpected 0.4% GDP growth in July.