Andy Burnham is considering introducing a £2 cap on bus fares as part of efforts to ease the cost-of-living crisis, according to reports. The proposal comes as Burnham begins operating from what has been dubbed "No10 North" in Manchester, which he insists is "not a gimmick" despite a permanent office not being due to open until 2032.

The fare cap plan follows Burnham telling Cabinet colleagues they must "always show how they are going to pay" for new policies, a message delivered shortly after he unveiled an £850 million package of support for energy bills that has yet to be funded. Further details on how the bus fare cap itself would be financed have not been confirmed.