Columnist Graham Grant argues that the SNP's long-standing push for a "conversation" on new wealth taxes has been given fresh impetus by Andy Burnham's arrival as Prime Minister, since Burnham has already signalled a willingness to raise taxes on the wealthy. The piece frames this as a significant shift, suggesting Nationalist politicians who have previously called for higher levies on assets and income will find a much more receptive audience in Downing Street than under previous UK governments.

The article notes that Burnham has signalled the return of the 50p top rate of income tax, warning that measures to ease the cost of living will need to be funded by "the better off". This comes amid a wider reshuffle following his rapid rise to power, in which Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Steve Reed and Peter Kyle were removed from Cabinet, John Healey was made Chancellor, Ed Miliband moved to Foreign Secretary, and Angela Rayner took a senior Downing Street role. Grant's column casts these developments, alongside Burnham's early backing of a "death tax" to fund social care, as evidence that his government is inclined towards higher taxation of wealth, a stance the SNP is keen to encourage further.