Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid has voiced concerns that if Andy Burnham's new plans involve targeting pensioners, it could mark the "beginning of the end" of his time in office.
Prime minister's vow on social care
On Sunday (September 27), the prime minister said he is prepared to make unpopular choices and hike taxes to fund an NHS-style social care system. However, he has been warned against scrapping the triple lock, which ensures the state pension rises each year by whichever is highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5%.
Susanna, 55, highlighted the major problem Keir Starmer faced when he came into office after removing the winter fuel allowance for pensioners, which sparked widespread outrage.
Funding concerns raised
She argued that while the social care system needs reform, questions remain over how it will be funded.
"Unfortunately, there is a massive issue about how we pay for it because it would cost billions," Susanna said. "Of course, that would be a worthwhile investment, but that money has to come from somewhere."
Viewer warning over pensioners
A Good Morning Britain viewer who got in touch via WhatsApp said: "I hope Burnham doesn't make the same mistake which Starmer did by targeting pensioners who don't get much, especially if they only get the state pension."
Susanna explained: "Because it could be a removal of the triple lock on pensioners. The comparison is being made with Starmer coming in and removing the winter fuel allowance. That was the beginning of the end for that prime minister."
