Andy Burnham has refused to rule out introducing a wealth tax as he prepares to become Prime Minister next week. The Makerfield MP called for a “greater sense of fairness” and admitted that people might be asked to pay a “little more” in tax.
Burnham’s Stance on Taxing Wealth and Empty Properties
The former Greater Manchester Mayor has previously expressed interest in raising taxes on speculative landlords who keep high street properties empty and taxing warehouses owned by companies like Amazon. In an interview with Gary Lineker for Goalhanger, Burnham stated: “I’m going to obviously take my time to properly look at the state of things, particularly the state of finances. I don’t want to come in and create new divisions and pitch people one against another.”
He added: “I’m not going to rule things out right now. I do believe we need a greater sense of fairness and people feeling that things are being done in the right way and a fair way. But at the same time, I don’t want to be perceived as somebody who’s coming in with grudges and agendas.”
Chancellor Speculation and Manifesto Commitments
Burnham continues to face questions about who will serve as his Chancellor. Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood, and John Healey have all been linked to the role, with Mahmood reportedly now the favourite after opponents of Miliband campaigned to stop his appointment, citing Labour’s 2015 general election defeat. Burnham has committed to Labour’s manifesto pledges not to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT if he becomes PM.
However, in October last year, he urged the Chancellor to consider a wealth tax. He said: “How can it be justified that council tax has not been revalued since 1991? I think it does need to be re-evaluated, and if that is perceived as a wealth tax by some people with very big, very expensive properties, who will have to pay more, I’m not going to shy away from saying that’s exactly what they should be doing. Council tax should be being constantly revalued.”
Relationship with Donald Trump
Burnham also claimed he would be willing to disagree with Donald Trump on key issues while “respecting the office.” He said: “I’ll deal with him very upfront in the same way. I think he likes people to deal with him. He described Manchester as some town when he was referring to my position. And I might have to, you know what Mancs are like, Gary, that won’t have gone down fantastically well in the city I used to represent. But it’s about being yourself, isn’t it? It’s about respecting the office, the relationship, the UK-US relationship. But where you disagree, do it, but do it in a way that is kind of meeting him where he’s at.”
