Ally of Former UK Leader Questions Funding for New Government's Key Policy

A prominent figure within the Labour Party has cast doubt on the funding for Prime Minister Andy Burnham's flagship policy, just days after Burnham's appointment.

Darren Jones, who previously served as a close ally to former leader Keir Starmer, pointed to a November report by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) that he claims indicates a lack of clarity regarding the financial sources for a proposed Digital ID. Jones highlighted that the OBR's Economic and Fiscal Outlook mentioned the Digital ID multiple times. Specifically, on page 10, the report states that "the cost of digital ID cards, for which no specific funding has been identified." Further, on page 172, it discusses "the risks around the implementation of digital ID cards for which no explicit provision has been made for its £0.6bn annual cost."

Jones suggested that these findings, which he noted were relevant to policies he previously advocated for, are now pertinent to Burnham's administration. He emphasized that as prime minister, Burnham must outline "how we pay for" the policies his government champions, a sentiment he reportedly expressed in his first address from Downing Street.

The critique comes shortly after Burnham's call to end "factionalism" within the Labour Party. Burnham's cabinet appointments were finalized late Monday night, with some ministerial positions being filled after 10 p.m. Wes Streeting, who took on the role of defence secretary, had previously resigned as health secretary two months prior, an event that reportedly diminished Starmer's authority as prime minister.

A significant number of ministers closely aligned with the former prime minister were removed during a recent reshuffle. Among those reportedly affected were Darren Jones himself, David Lammy, Peter Kyle, Lord Hermer, and Steve Reed. Rachel Reeves was reportedly offered a cabinet post but declined it.

Questions are now being raised about how much public commentary will emerge from these former Starmer loyalists as Andy Burnham's government begins to articulate its policy agenda.