Andy Burnham's expected chief-of-staff has been branded 'cruel' after it emerged that he previously called for the abolition of winter fuel payments and free bus passes for pensioners. James Purnell, a former Labour Cabinet minister who is poised to become Mr Burnham's top adviser, made the comments in a 2011 Newsnight interview.
Purnell's 2011 comments resurface
In the interview, Mr Purnell said that most benefits for older people should simply be included in the state pension. He described winter fuel allowances and free bus passes as 'little freebies' that people 'don't value as much'. He added: 'I think it would be better to have one pension rather than all these little freebies... the winter fuel allowance and all of those things.'
Campaigners have called for an apology and demanded reassurances that these views will not influence the policies of a government led by Mr Burnham, who looks set to enter 10 Downing Street within weeks.
Silver Voices reacts
Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, said: 'Andy Burnham needs to be careful not to replace one set of anti-pensioner voices, with different faces but the same discriminatory views. Calling the essential winter fuel payments 'freebies' is arrogant, entitled and downright cruel. I hope Mr Purnell can reflect from his position of wealth and comfort and apologise to poor pensioners for these ill-judged comments.'
The controversy comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves were forced into a humiliating U-turn over plans to scrap winter fuel payments, worth up to £300, for most pensioners. The initial proposal sparked a fierce backlash, leading the government to reinstate the allowance for pensioners with an annual income of less than £35,000.
Political context
Mr Burnham has been contacted for comment. The revelation adds to political tensions as Labour faces internal divisions over policy direction. Mr Purnell's previous stance on pensioner benefits has raised concerns among older voters, a key demographic in the upcoming election.
