Andy Burnham is widely expected to become Prime Minister following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation on Monday, June 22. The pair met on Tuesday in what the Guardian described as a "frosty" face-to-face meeting. Darren Jones ruled himself out of the Labour leadership race on Wednesday morning, stating: "Andy Burnham is going to be the next prime minister."
Energy and Water Nationalisation
Sources close to Burnham indicate he wants to nationalise various UK utilities. According to The Guardian, allies say he is "serious" about taking over "essentials of life" in a decade-long project to reduce bills and improve performance. 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." At the Manchester Evening News Makerfield by-election hustings, Burnham called for a "real rethink" on cost-of-living challenges, stating that since the 1980s, "the essentials of life, water, energy, transport, housing were sold off... and the private vested interest has predominated over the wider public interest."
Benefits Cuts to Boost Defence
Burnham said he would cut the benefits bill to boost defence spending, as reported by the i Paper. He emphasised avoiding "crude cuts" and focusing on "rethinking the education system" to get young people into work. He told the Manchester Evening News: "It makes no sense... for the country to have a benefits bill for people in their 20s when they didn't do anything for them in their teenage years. You've got to turn that around and invest in the teenage years so that you then can put people on a path to a good life."
Business Rates Slash
Before the Makerfield by-election, Burnham proposed a 20 per cent business rate cut for all pubs and clubs, and taking independent shops, restaurants, and cafes out of paying business rates altogether. He called small family high-street businesses "the heart and soul of Britain" and said the move could be "critical" for their survival.
Tax Changes
Burnham has hinted at revisiting the income tax personal allowance, currently frozen at £12,570 until April 2031. He has also suggested there is "definitely a case" to reintroduce the 50p top rate of income tax, though he did not specify if that would be implemented if he became PM. Analysts also anticipate potential changes to council tax, inheritance tax, and stamp duty under his premiership.
State Pension Triple Lock
Burnham committed to keeping the state pension triple lock, which determines annual increases based on the highest of earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5%. He told the i Paper that tearing up the manifesto commitment would be a "very damaging thing to do." He also expressed support for WASPI women affected by state pension age changes but stopped short of backing payouts, instead suggesting non-cash benefits.
