Andy Burnham has announced single bus fares across England will be capped at £2 from January in the latest cost-of-living measure from the new Prime Minister. The nationwide cap is currently set at £3 until the end of March 2027, although some areas – including London and Greater Manchester, where Mr Burnham set a £2 limit as mayor – have lower top rates for single tickets.
The measure is backed by £454 million of funding – including money to allow devolved governments to take similar action. The £2 cap will be in place throughout 2027 and reverses an increase put in place by Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves in 2024.
Poll shows Labour level with Reform UK
It comes as a new poll shows Reform UK’s lead has evaporated since Mr Burnham took over from Sir Keir Starmer. A “Burnham bounce” has seen support for Labour jump eight points compared to mid-June, bringing Labour level with Nigel Farage’s party on 28%.
Scottish Labour leader to become minister
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is to be made a peer and appointed as a minister in Andy Burnham’s Government, sources say. Mr Sarwar will be elevated to the Lords to take up a ministerial post at the revamped Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, headed by Jonathan Reynolds, according to media including the Scottish Sun.
The Scottish Labour leader called for Sir Keir Starmer to step down as prime minister in February. He hailed successor Mr Burnham for his “bold Labour vision” as he entered No 10 this week.
No 10 North already operational
Civil servants are already working at Andy Burnham’s new Manchester-based No 10 North, which will cost taxpayers no extra money, Downing Street has said. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters: “Staff are already working in the new No 10 North. This includes staff from Manchester and those who have come in from around the country.”
The official also said: “The running of No 10 North will be covered by existing Cabinet Office budgets. There is no additional cost to taxpayers.” Mr Burnham “expects to work from No 10 North at least one day a week,” his spokesman said.
British Gas welcomes energy bill cut
The boss of British Gas owner Centrica said it is “encouraging to see the new Prime Minister move quickly” to cut household energy bills after announcing an £850 million cut to VAT on electricity bills. Chris O’Shea, group chief executive of Centrica, said: “Any reduction in bills will be welcome news for customers and it’s good to see affordability being made a priority from day one.”
Burnham-Trump call 'very warm'
Andy Burnham’s conversation with Donald Trump was “extremely warm” and lasted around 20 minutes, Downing Street has said. The Prime Minister’s spokesman told reporters: “It was an extremely warm call and I think that’s reflected in both sides’ read-outs.”
VAT cut 'fully funded'
Downing Street has insisted Andy Burnham’s plan to cut VAT from electricity bills is fully funded. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s fully funded and will come into effect from October the first, and it applies and is funded for this financial year.” The Government previously said the £1.8 billion cost of the digital ID scheme over three years had been “scored” by the Office for Budget Responsibility, meaning the money would have had to be found.
Miliband speaks with Ukraine
Ed Miliband’s first diplomatic call as Foreign Secretary was with his Ukrainian counterpart, he has said. “I underlined the UK’s steadfast and resolute commitment to the people of Ukraine,” the new Foreign Secretary wrote on X. Andrii Sybiha, Kyiv’s acting minister of foreign affairs, wrote on social media that he congratulated Mr Miliband on his new role “and thanked the United Kingdom for its steadfast support for Ukraine since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion”.
Streeting defends government commitments
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting insisted the Government was making “bold” and “credible” commitments to the country, after former minister Darren Jones cast doubt on the funding for Andy Burnham’s plans to cut VAT on energy bills. Asked for a response to Mr Jones, the Defence Secretary said: “What I can say, having come here straight from Cabinet this afternoon, is that what you will see and hear from this Prime Minister and Chancellor, both in the current coming days, months, and years, is a commitment to be both bold and also credible.”
