Andy Burnham's Key Adviser Focuses on Cost of Living if He Becomes Prime Minister

A key adviser to Andy Burnham has stated that addressing the cost of living will be a primary focus in the short term if he assumes the role of prime minister. Miatta Fahnbulleh, a former Labour minister, indicated that individuals at the lower end of the income scale could see an increase in their disposable income under a Burnham government.

Fahnbulleh, who has been involved in developing policy proposals for Burnham's potential premiership, told the BBC that while specific policy decisions rest with Burnham, "we do need to find ways to give people respite and that's about money in their pockets." She also suggested that essentials such as housing, energy, and transport are currently too expensive and require "public control" to become more affordable.

Burnham is expected to be declared the Labour leader next week and is slated to take office as prime minister on July 20, following a significant number of nominations from Labour MPs. He has previously expressed the need for the government to be "serious about putting more money back into people's pockets" and suggested there is "some room" for tax adjustments, including potential reductions in business rates for some high street businesses.

Reports indicate Burnham is preparing to announce a package of cost-of-living support measures shortly after taking office. Fahnbulleh has reportedly proposed immediate support for energy bills and transport costs. She emphasized that the economy is central to Burnham's policy agenda, acknowledging the financial pressures many households face.

Burnham has articulated a vision for "greater public control" over the energy and water sectors, drawing parallels to the model he implemented for the bus network in Greater Manchester, where services are operated by private companies under a franchise system.

Responding to concerns, Conservative shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride argued that the current government has damaged the economy and that markets might perceive a worse situation under Burnham. He suggested Burnham would be inclined to increase taxes and might face challenges with managing the welfare budget among Labour backbenchers.