New Prime Minister Andy Burnham will promise to fix the crisis-hit social care sector as he delivers a major speech this morning.
Invitation for urgent talks
Mr Burnham has invited Tory chief Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey to urgent talks today to discuss the issue. A Tory spokesman said: "Kemi Badenoch is unable to attend and Stuart Andrew, Shadow Health Secretary, will be attending in her place."
Call to end political football
Ahead of his speech, Mr Burnham said: "Politicians might have different views but I’m serious about fixing this issue and to do that, we have to find common ground and listen to others to find a way forward."
He added: "It’s time to draw a line under people playing politics when the human cost of that means carers struggling, families paying the price and our NHS buckling under the strain. This comes down to a choice. We can carry on passing the problem to the next generation, or we can face it head on and work together to build a care system that gives people dignity, security and the support they deserve."
