Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has urged incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to put sustainable funding for Northern Ireland and reform of political institutions at the top of his agenda.

The East Belfast MLA was speaking ahead of Mr Burnham taking over from Sir Keir Starmer on Monday, saying Northern Ireland must feature prominently among the new leader's early priorities.

"I want to wish Andy Burnham every success in his new role. It can be an unforgiving position, but if he can live up to the promises he has made, he can deliver change for people," she said. Ms Long pointed to Mr Burnham's stated backing for devolution and political change, including remarks made when he addressed the Alliance Party Conference as keynote speaker. "Andy Burnham is on record, including recently when he was keynote speaker at the Alliance Party Conference, as being a supporter of devolution and political reform. Reform of the institutions here to prevent future collapses of power-sharing is one of the first issues we will be raising with him. It is an approach backed by the majority of parties and I look forward to seeing progress on the issue.

Calling for urgent action on public finances, she said Northern Ireland is widely viewed as underfunded compared with other devolved nations. "It is also vital the new Prime Minister urgently looks at the financing of Northern Ireland. It is widely accepted we are underfunded compared to Scotland and Wales, and that needs to change. We have recently held talks with the Secretary of State on this matter and will be making the point to Andy Burnham. If he is to truly be a Prime Minister of the whole UK, additional investment is needed across the regions.

"For too long, focus has been on the dramas within the Labour Party. I hope now the leadership of that party and the country has been resolved, the focus can go back where it deserves to be – helping people and businesses navigate the cost of living and cost of doing business crises. As Prime Minister, Andy Burnham needs to look at what really matters and have his Government help ordinary people."