In at the deep end

New PM will have to hit the ground running

Energy bills

The Treasury is working on tackling rising energy costs, including reforms to the energy market and targeted support. Inflation Ministers need to ease the effects of inflation, which could come in the form of tax cuts. Headline rate is forecast to hit 20 per cent next year.

NHS backlogs

Covid-era backlogs remain, with patients unable to book GP appointments if they do not have life-threatening illnesses. Northern Ireland Protocol

Ongoing gridlock in negotiations with the EU mean the next PM must decide whether to abandon the Protocol.

Indyref2

The Supreme Court sits at the start of October to determine if the Scottish Government can hold a second independence referendum. The UK Government insists power to call one is “reserved” in Westminster. Partygate

The Privileges Committee is to investigate Boris Johnson over claims he misled the Commons, but legal advice commissioned by the Government suggests its approach is flawed.

Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope that the next prime minister will continue to support Ukraine.

Public sector strikes

More strikes are planned, including on the railways and in courts. Unions for civil servants have suggested they may down tools in the first days of the next administration.

Net zero

The UK is committed to climate action, but there is pressure to scrap some green policies, including levies on energy bills.

Illegal immigration

The next prime minister will continue to face legal opposition to the Rwanda policy, as small boats continue to cross the channel and Albanian gangs outfox the Border Force.