Andy Burnham has declined to rule out introducing a wealth tax and suggested the government might need to ask for more from the wealthy to balance Britain's books. The incoming prime minister said he needed time to assess public finances before committing to policy changes, arguing the UK needs a 'greater sense of fairness'.
Burnham on Tax and Fairness
When asked about a possible tax increase for the 'super rich', Burnham echoed his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer's promise not to shy away from difficult decisions, but insisted he did not want to be seen as having 'grudges or agendas'.
'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,' Burnham told Gary Lineker on the Goalhanger podcast. 'But at the same time, I don't want to be perceived as somebody who's coming in with grudges and agendas and going to demonise one group or create a new way of dividing people.'
Fiscal Challenges Ahead
Burnham acknowledged that decisions would be difficult. 'We are going to have to work quite hard to make sure we can pay our way. And at some point that might be having to ask for a little more. But those decisions are not for now. They're for another day.'
He has previously committed to Labour's fiscal rules but indicated there is room for movement on tax within the party's manifesto, which rules out raising VAT, income tax or national insurance. The former Greater Manchester mayor's policy agenda has so far focused on domestic priorities like devolution, and he has signalled he does not plan to spend as much time on the global stage as Sir Keir.
Navigating Relations with Trump
Burnham will also need to navigate transatlantic relations with an unpredictable US president, who recently described him as 'extremely liberal' and 'mayor of a town'. Asked how he planned to deal with President Trump, Burnham said: 'Maybe in a similar way to the way I've just described, I'll just meet him where he's at.'
'I like to think I've got some personality myself and I'll deal with him very upfront. 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.'
He added: '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.'
Prime Minister Sir Keir sought a conciliatory approach with Trump and initially drew praise, but their relationship deteriorated over the Iran conflict. Burnham will take over from Sir Keir on Monday.
