On 20 July, when Andy Burnham steps into Downing Street as the new prime minister, he will face a mountain of crises. A Children's Society report warns that millions of children in England and Wales will leave school for the summer holidays 'walking into nothing' – lonely, hungry, and isolated. The report is one of many urgent pleas on his doormat, highlighting the deepening child poverty crisis.
Child Poverty: 1.3 Million Lose Free School Meals
On his first day, 1.3 million children in England will lose access to free school meals because their families do not qualify for the government's holiday activities and food programme, which only covers those with incomes below £7,400. Under localism, only some councils offer food vouchers for the six-week break. Burnham must decide how to address this immediate need.
Political Sleaze and Donation Caps
At the same time, Burnham faces the spectre of political sleaze. New revelations about Nigel Farage receiving undeclared funds from a convicted fraudster and crypto-gambler highlight the corruption of big money in politics. The Representation of the People Bill, returning to parliament, includes a weak gesture on foreign donations capped at £100,000. Stella Creasy's amendment would cap all donations at £100,000, ending mega-donations. In 2023, 66% of private donations came from just 19 individuals, according to Transparency International. France caps individual donations at €7,500 (£6,400) and bans corporate and union donations.
Billionaire Influence and Media Manipulation
The Fairness Foundation finds that 63% of people think the very rich have too much political sway. Billionaire media owners use their platforms to oppose wealth taxes, as seen in the Mail on Sunday's claim that Burnham plots a 'homes tax raid on middle class' – in reality, a tax on homes worth over £1.5m affects just 150,000 mansions. The Sunday Telegraph also warned against raising capital gains tax, despite polls showing 46% public support for equalising it with income tax, including most Tory voters.
Union Funding and the Birmingham Bin Strike
Labour's biggest donor, Unite, has voted to cut national funding by 40% to pressure the party over the Birmingham bin strike. Its leader, Sharon Graham, elected by 4.7% of eligible members, threatened to withdraw campaign funds in 2024 if Labour watered down workers' rights. While legal, such influence peddling stinks, and Burnham can make his reputation by capping donations.
First 100 Days: Decisions on Money and Trust
Burnham's success will depend on his first 100 days. He must end the abuses of money that pervert government choices, from child poverty to political donations. By capping donations and raising taxes on the wealthy, he can restore public trust and tackle inequality. As Polly Toynbee writes, 'It would cost him little to end the abuses of money that pervert those government choices.'
