Andy Burnham, widely expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and become Britain's next Prime Minister, has given his first major media interview since taking over as MP for Makerfield. Speaking to Andrew Marr on LBC, Burnham outlined his stance on tax, welfare, and defence, while confirming plans for a 'No 10 North' in Manchester.
Burnham commits to manifesto but leaves door open on tax
Burnham said he would 'stick by' Labour's 2024 general election manifesto, which pledged not to increase taxes on 'working people', including National Insurance, income tax, and VAT. However, he added there is 'some room' for 'movement on tax'. Specifically, he proposed higher business rates on warehouses and major developments on city outskirts to fund a 20% cut in business rates for pubs and remove some high street businesses from rates altogether.
'I stick by the manifesto and the promises that it made,' Burnham told Marr. 'So, let me be absolutely clear about that, but there is some room within that manifesto for movement on tax. If you take business rates, for instance, I believe there is a case for higher business rates on warehouses and the major developments we see on the outskirts of our cities so that we can cut business rates for pubs. And I proposed a 20% cut and lift some high street businesses out of business rates altogether.'
Defends fiscal discipline, hints at public ownership
Burnham, who previously served as Treasury minister and Health Secretary, defended his record on public finances, saying he was 'not indisciplined'. He noted he ran Greater Manchester, the fastest-growing city region in the country, for a decade. He also said Britain is 'paying too much for the basics' and proposed more public control over water, energy, and transport to reduce bills and fares.
'People are paying too much, but businesses are also paying too much, and that is certainly true of energy. What I would do, if successful, is lay out a plan for more public control over water, energy, transport, so that over the period we can get those bills down, fares down, and give people and give businesses breathing space,' Burnham said.
Welfare reform: no crude cuts, focus on education
On welfare, Burnham ruled out 'crude cuts to benefit levels that just put people who are struggling in even worse poverty'. Instead, he proposed reducing the benefits bill by improving the education system, with better support for technical qualifications and work placements for 16-year-olds. He also called for mental health support for those in work.
Defence spending: 'didn't have all the details' on black hole
Burnham admitted he did not have 'all of the details' about the £4.7 billion black hole in Starmer's defence investment plan (Dip) until it was published. The plan, unveiled on Tuesday, promises £15 billion in extra defence spending over the next six years to modernise the armed forces. Burnham said he would take his responsibilities 'extremely seriously' and ensure the nation's security.
'I didn't have all of the details. I wasn't in all of the discussions, but to be fair, the Government had had an internal process ongoing,' he said. 'I regard it as something that the country has to face up to very seriously. We're in a changing world. The nature of the threat is changing.'
'No 10 North' to be based near Manchester Piccadilly
Burnham confirmed his new 'No 10 North' office will be situated near Manchester Piccadilly station, on the Manchester Digital Campus in Ancoats, currently under construction and not due for completion until 2028. Until then, his team is reportedly searching for an interim office in the city. Burnham said he would spend time there if he becomes prime minister.
