Lord Richard Walker, the executive chairman of Iceland Foods, has resigned from his role as Labour's cost of living czar after less than six months, citing significant challenges in enacting policy within the government.
Walker, who was appointed in February under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer to address Britain's affordability crisis, expressed that "daily political machinations consume everything" and that the government structure makes it "damn hard to get anything done."
In his parting assessment, Walker warned the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, that the current administration "doesn’t have time for resets and delays." He also noted that restrictions on official communications to those in Number 10 can exclude external voices with fresh ideas.
Walker further criticized the physical infrastructure of Number 10 Downing Street, describing its "17th Century rabbit-warren design" as unfit for purpose and making collaborative work impossible. He suggested that a strong, visible leader who communicates constantly is essential to overcome these obstacles.
The former Iceland Foods boss recommended integrating the cost of living portfolio into Prime Minister Burnham's proposed "No 10 North" initiative in Manchester, arguing it would help policy better serve the entire country and move it away from the "Westminster bubble."
However, the "No 10 North" plan has faced criticism, with reports indicating the primary location will not be ready until 2032. Until then, it will operate from existing government offices in Manchester.
Walker's departure coincides with a broader reshuffling of personnel by Prime Minister Burnham, which has seen several of his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer's close allies removed from their positions shortly after Burnham took office.