Andy Burnham has outlined a major project to bring water and energy under public control, which he says will be a crucial part of his agenda if he becomes Prime Minister. The Greater Manchester mayor, who could return to Parliament if he wins the by-election in Makerfield next week, has stated he would seek to enter any Labour leadership contest.
Nationalisation Plans
Sources close to Mr Burnham indicate he is serious about taking over 'essentials of life' in a decade-long project aimed at reducing bills for consumers and improving performance. According to The Guardian, allies of the mayor said he wants to nationalise various UK utilities if he gets into Number 10.
One source said: "When Andy says he wants the public to have control over 'the essentials of life', we should believe him. He is completely serious."
Cost-of-Living Challenges
At the Manchester Evening News Makerfield by-election hustings earlier this week, Mr Burnham said Britain needs a 'real rethink' when asked about cost-of-living challenges for residents. He added: "If you go back to the 1980s, the essentials of life, water, energy, transport, housing were sold off, they were kind of given up over to the market and we've had a system ever since where the private vested interest has predominated over the wider public interest.
"The economy basically doesn't work for the average person, it works for other people who are shareholders but it doesn't work for those who are paying those fares and paying those bills. I did put buses back under public control after the deregulation of the 1980s and then I lowered fares, and that's what the precept that Michael [Winstanley, the Conservative candidate] mentioned, a £2 fare, free bus travel for 16 to 18s.
"From there you take that same principle and you apply it to water. Water bills went up 23 per cent here last year and the profits of United Utilities doubled. You want the same principle there, the same with energy, the same with housing. Give people the ability to afford life in the way that they can't anymore."
Support and Strategy
While Mr Burnham campaigns in Makerfield in the lead-up to Thursday's vote, a small group of his allies have reportedly been collating ideas for government. This reportedly includes Josh Simons, the outgoing Makerfield MP, and Miatta Fahnbulleh, the former energy minister. According to those briefed, Mr Burnham would start by bringing Thames Water back under public control. The mayor told The Guardian last week: "Public ownership is absolutely an option. I would say for Thames Water, that is what should be done."
Defence Spending and Welfare
Mr Burnham has also spoken out on cutting welfare to fund defence spending this week following the resignation of defence secretary John Healey and armed forces minister Al Carns. After the pair resigned over the long-delayed defence investment plan (Dip), Mr Burnham said 'the world has changed' and it was 'obvious' the Government would have to adjust its assumptions about defence spending in response.
The mayor said his plan would be to free up money for defence from welfare. "I am not squeamish about saying that the plan would be to reduce the welfare bill," he told The Times.
By-Election Outlook
The Makerfield by-election takes place on Thursday and is expected to be a race between Mr Burnham and the Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon. A new poll by The Times put Mr Burnham ahead, with a five-point lead over Mr Kenyon.
