Andy Burnham announced plans for a National Care Service, free at the point of use and funded collectively, arguing that social care is in crisis. The columnist says the pledge gives voters a clear sense of Burnham’s priorities, but warns that its potential cost could add substantially to taxpayers’ burden.

The article cites an estimate of £18.5 billion, which Burnham challenged, and compares the pledge with Theresa May’s troubled 2017 social-care campaign. It also suggests the announcement may bring forward the next general election: although Burnham has ruled out an election before 2029, an unnamed ally told the columnist they expected one in May. The article argues that promising the policy for Labour’s next manifesto could make it difficult for Burnham to wait years before acting.