Andy Burnham is poised to become Prime Minister on Monday, and experts are urging him to spearhead significant reforms in motoring laws that could benefit drivers across fuel types—petrol, diesel, and electric alike.
The Labour MP for Makerfield, Burnham recently outlined a distinctly progressive vision for Britain, describing his election as the most momentous political shift in 40 years. Emphasizing unity, he declared this a “last chance” for Labour to deliver meaningful change, calling for cohesion to “beat Britain’s new right.”
Ahead of moving into Number 10, Matt Galvin, managing director at Polestar UK, has urged Burnham to uphold the planned 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales. Galvin advocates policies to boost the used electric vehicle (EV) market, proposing incentives such as grants and a scrappage scheme to accelerate adoption.
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Additionally, Galvin recommends postponing the introduction of the electric vehicle excise duty (eVED) until EVs compose the majority of UK vehicles on the road, and calls for a VAT reduction on public EV charging to ease costs for motorists.
“During his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham took strong action to improve air quality by promoting a zero-emission transport network, resulting in cleaner air and healthier communities,” Galvin remarked. “As Prime Minister, he has the opportunity to extend that leadership nationally.”
With the UK reaching a pivotal moment in EV adoption, Galvin stresses the importance of stimulating the second-hand EV market, which constitutes the majority of vehicle purchases, through targeted grants and scrappage incentives.
He also insists the government must maintain its 2030 commitment to ending sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles. These proposals build upon over £2.3 billion in governmental support designed to help manufacturers and consumers transition toward zero-emission transportation.
Regarding the upcoming eVED tax, championed by Labour’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves and set to commence in 2028, Galvin calls for its delay until EVs predominate UK roads.
In his forthcoming address from Downing Street, Burnham plans to outline a “vision for a better Britain,” including initial policies aimed at easing the cost of living. “First, I will work relentlessly to build a culture of one Labour team, because change starts with us,” he affirmed. “We won’t beat Britain’s new right if we are consumed by infighting and pulling in different directions. That is an indulgence.”