Andy Burnham admits he would have liked more radical first budget

Andy Burnham said his first budget as prime minister was less radical than he wanted because economic volatility and geopolitical crises limited the government’s options. He argued that the measures still offered meaningful help, while critics said the budget did too little on living costs, welfare and defence.

Chancellor John Healey announced a £100 energy payment for most households, alongside other relatively low-cost measures. Burnham said he wanted higher energy support and major welfare reform, but ruled out “brutal cuts” and said most people in their twenties should not need benefits unless disability or other circumstances prevent work. He also cited Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which ruled out raising income tax, national insurance or VAT, and said he would seek his own mandate for different policies.