British Conservative politician; Shadow Chancellor since 2024
Andy Burnham has unveiled a long-term plan to recover the economy, restore public confidence and tighten control over essential services. He has pledged to fund defence commitments, cut household bills and reframe public ownership, while signalling a shift toward problem-solving governance.
Ann Widdecombe has been found dead at her Haytor, Devon, home after sustaining serious injuries. Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham and counter-terrorism officers have taken over parts of the inquiry. Authorities say there is currently no information to indicate a political motive or that the attack is terrorism-related.
New prime minister Andy Burnham has unveiled early measures aimed at easing living costs, including a VAT cut on energy bills, a 2 cap on bus fares, and targeted business rates relief for small venues. He is also expanding power through No 10 North and assembling a Cabinet as critics question the plan’s funding and ambition.
Prime minister has announced an 850 million VAT cut on household electricity bills from October, funded by scrapping the Digital ID programme. The move is part of a broader plan to ease the cost of living, with ministers pledging to pass savings through to consumers as cabinet reshuffles unfold.
The new government is implementing a VAT cut on electricity bills and a 2 bus fare cap, funded by redirecting savings from a scrapped digital ID programme. Officials say the measures will reduce household costs, while ministers debate expanding the personal allowance. Updates indicate the plan is moving ahead despite questions about funding and timing.
New research proposes a 2% wealth tax on households with £100m+ assets to raise revenues and narrow inequality. The plan, authored by Gabriel Zucman and Ben Tippet, would require HMRC to assess total wealth, including private firms, assets, and charitable holdings, and would apply for a decade after wealth holders leave the UK. Prime Minister Burnham hints at tax reforms as discussions continue.
Burnham has vowed to reform England's social care system, promising to spend political capital to address a long-running crisis. He has faced questions on funding as he outlines pledges in his early weeks as prime minister.
Labour Prime Minister has convened a Downing Street summit with Tory and Lib Dem leaders to press for cross-party reform of England’s social care system. He has accelerated Baroness Casey’s national care review and will launch a public consultation to shape a National Care Service, arguing reform is urgent to protect the NHS and families.
Mayors will keep a share of income tax and business rates from 2027-28, replacing central grants and empowering local areas to fund transport, housing and jobs. The reform is pitched as the biggest transfer of power in a generation, with details to be announced in the autumn budget as Burnham leads devolution push.
The government has scheduled an autumn budget for October 28 to extend public investment while sticking to fiscal rules. Leaders say the plan will fund devolution, defence, and growth strategies, but analysts warn higher borrowing costs and inflation pressures from the Iran conflict could constrain room for new spending.
Public mourners gathered at Buckfast Abbey for Ann Widdecombe’s private requiem, following her death on 8 July at 78 after a fatal assault. The service featured tributes from family, political figures and clergy. A public memorial is planned later this year, with donations split between Leprosy Mission and Abound India.
The new Prime Minister has launched a UK‑wide listening tour to hear people’s cost‑of‑living concerns. He has unveiled measures including VAT cuts on energy bills, a bus‑fare cap, and business‑rates relief for pubs and venues, while signalling further action in the budget and on high streets. He is travelling to communities to inform a long‑term plan.
The prime minister has accelerated plans to make subscription cancellations easier and to curb deceptive discounts as part of a wider cost‑of‑living package. The government is bringing these changes forward to January 2027 and is planning consultations on banning misleading “was” prices.
Public borrowing in July stands at 1.8 billion, above forecasts, with four-month deficit at 56.7 billion. Tax receipts hit a record for July, but spending growth outpaced receipts, keeping debt near 3 trillion and GDP share at about 94%. Chancellor Healey to unveil October Budget amid fiscal discipline pledges.
Independent review led by Jerry Schurder will probe how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates, with March 2027 target for findings. The government has cut pub rates by 20% from April next year and is weighing broader reforms to the system.
Andy Burnham has addressed MPs in the House of Commons for the first time since becoming prime minister six weeks ago, setting out plans to expand public control of utilities and ease household costs. He has faced immediate questions about how he will fund defence commitments, tackle prison overcrowding and whether No.10 North in Manchester will be more than a symbol.
The Conservative leader has reshuffled her top team, replacing several long-standing figures with new faces and signalling a broader shift in economic policy. Key changes include Claire Coutinho moving to shadow business secretary, Andrew Griffith taking the lead on economic policy, and Tom Tugendhat entering the shadow cabinet in a prominent role. The move comes ahead of Parliament's return and a Tory conference later this year.
The Conservative leadership has reshuffled the shadow cabinet ahead of Parliament’s return, naming Andrew Griffith as shadow chancellor and Claire Coutinho as shadow business secretary. Tom Tugendhat and Priti Patel shift roles; James Cleverly steps aside to pursue a London mayoral bid. The moves are framed as strengthening the party’s economic team while drawing scrutiny over credibility.
Burnham has presented a three-hour Commons statement outlining a plan to restore growth and reduce the deficit, while defending his early tax cuts as the economy faces rising borrowing costs and market volatility.