Andy Burnham, the Labour MP and potential Prime Minister, has come under fire following a GB News segment that discussed his tax plans and his refusal to answer questions from the press. The discussion, featuring Martin Daubney and political editor Christopher Hope, highlighted concerns about Burnham's proposed tax increases and his avoidance of media scrutiny.
GB News Analysis of Tax Plans
During the broadcast, Martin Daubney warned: "We have the first indication that there will be tax rises coming in." Christopher Hope elaborated: "Yes, but he's talking about tax rises away from the taxes that our viewers pay." He explained that Burnham's proposals include "more corporate taxes," such as easing business rates pressure on companies, increasing taxes on warehouses, and introducing an "Amazon tax." Hope also noted that Burnham has ruled out crude welfare cuts, which Keir Starmer had attempted to implement.
Avoiding Press Questions
Hope criticised Burnham for avoiding questions from journalists, stating: "He [Burnham] is avoiding questions, he wouldn't take any questions... right now it is actually, I think, starting to cause him damage amongst his opponents." The segment also aired a clip from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who expressed amazement at Burnham's reluctance to face media scrutiny. Badenoch said: "Reddit is easy, you can filter which ones he wants to answer and just look at the easy questions. I'm going to make sure that I do it the proper way, unbiased, neutral, media scrutiny, questions from members of the public, town halls and I'm always happy to answer any questions." She added: "I wouldn't use Reddit."
Burnham's Reddit Q&A Plan
Burnham had announced he would take questions from users of the Reddit sub-reddit page r/UKPolitics on Friday, June 3, where his team would select the threads he replies to. The Reddit page moderators stated they would shut down any "prolonged personal disputes." This move was seen as an attempt to bypass traditional media scrutiny.
Christopher Hope's Criticism on Social Media
Earlier in the week, Christopher Hope blasted Burnham on X/Twitter after the MP delivered a speech and refused to take questions from the press, claiming he was headed to Westminster. Hope posted: "Here’s Makerfield MP Andy Burnham leaving by a side entrance moments after his speech today. I think it is appalling that he would not take questions from us journalists. He will be made Prime Minister of our country three weeks today. More coverage and analysis at @GBNEWS."
Reform UK's Richard Tice Reacts
Reform UK's Richard Tice also criticised Burnham's press snub, stating: "Burnham’s coup is well underway. Big speech today with no questions from journalists. No debate in Parliament. No scrutiny from MPs until September. Power without accountability. It's an outrage."
