British Labour MP, currently Secretary of State for Business and Trade; previously Labour Party roles and policy-focused leadership.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced an £850 million plan to cut VAT on domestic electricity bills from October 1, funded by scrapping the Digital ID scheme. The move is designed to ease the cost of living and is expected to reduce annual bills by about £45 for the average household, with inflation impact modest. The policy will apply across England, Scotland and Wales, with Northern Ireland receiving equivalent funding.
Andy Burnham has announced his new cabinet and pledged to deliver a ten-year plan to tackle the cost of living, while reshaping policy with a focus on reindustrialisation, devolution, and living standards.
The new prime minister has unveiled a 10-year plan and pledges to tackle the cost of living, rough sleeping, and housing. He is appointing a cabinet and outlining how to fund his priorities while keeping to defence spending commitments.
Investors have welcomed John Healey’s appointment as UK Chancellor, with defence stocks rallying on expectations of increased defence spending. Babcock, BAE Systems and QinetiQ lead gains while wider markets edge higher; analysts caution that funding gaps remain and a broad spending agenda could limit immediate boosts.
Tony Blair has continued his critique of the Labour government, urging MPs to define policy before leadership changes. He has published a lengthy essay urging reforms on welfare, energy, AI, and EU ties, while pressing MPs to test candidates’ policy positions before any leadership bid.
Andy Burnham has secured a decisive Makerfield by-election victory, prompting renewed talk of a leadership transition. Labour figures warn against a prolonged leadership contest, as Burnham appears set to assume power in July if no challenger surfaces.