Andy Burnham has said it is “important” to continue the Labour manifesto commitment to maintain the triple lock on the state pension, ending speculation about whether he would ditch the measure. The triple lock raises the state pension each year by the highest of average earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5%.
Speaking on Reddit in a Q&A on Thursday evening, the soon-to-be Labour leader and incoming Prime Minister said: “I appreciate there’s a lot of debate about this, but it is important that the commitment in the manifesto stands.”
Badenoch Challenges Burnham to Face Press
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Burnham of dodging scrutiny by answering “softball questions” online instead of from the media. She posted her own question on Reddit, saying: “Hi Andy, Kemi here. Whilst you’re answering softball questions on Reddit, I’ve been in Yorkshire answering questions from the press. You’re going to be Prime Minister soon so it’s time to start acting like one. Come out from hiding, face a proper press conference and submit yourself to scrutiny and some tough questions. Are you up for it?”
In response, the former mayor said: “Fair challenge, Kemi - but don’t forget it’s only two weeks since I faced questions from 74,000 members of the public in Makerfield!”
Key Policy Answers on Reddit
Mr Burnham answered three questions submitted hours earlier, covering his relationship with devolved governments, concerns that his northern push will neglect southern England, HS2, and migrant returns agreements. When asked if he is prepared to negotiate return agreements with countries like Afghanistan for migrant criminals whose asylum claims have been rejected, Mr Burnham said: “Yes”. He also said he will ensure the defence investment plan is “fully funded”.
Separately, it has been reported that he will press ahead with a social media ban for under-16s. Mr Burnham refused to take questions from journalists following his one major leadership campaign speech and has given only one interview, on Thursday evening. He said there was room for movement on tax despite pledging to keep Labour’s 2024 manifesto commitments not to increase workers’ income tax, National Insurance, or VAT rates.
No Decision on Chancellor Yet
Mr Burnham said he has not yet decided who will be his Chancellor of the Exchequer: “I haven’t made those decisions, and deliberately not.” He defended his decision not to take questions after Monday’s policy speech: “I didn’t answer questions, and some people criticise me for that, but again, I’m challenging some of the prevailing culture, where it immediately will go into a Westminster obsession.”
Public Opinion Two Years After 2024 Election
The Q&A session came nearly two years after the General Election on July 4, 2024. According to YouGov, the public is divided on the result, with 35% believing it would have been better if the Conservatives had won, while 34% feel it’s better that Labour won. Three in 10 (31%) did not know.
