Labour’s cost of living czar quits after less than six months with warning to Andy Burnham that it’s ‘damn hard to get anything done’ in Government
Ed Miliband's cost of living adviser has resigned from the role after fewer than six months, delivering a pointed warning to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham about the difficulty of achieving change within Government. The departure comes at a sensitive moment for Burnham, who has faced criticism over the handling of policy funding, including an £850 million energy bills package that was unveiled without a clear funding plan.
The outgoing czar reportedly told Burnham it was "damn hard to get anything done" in Whitehall, reflecting frustration with the pace and structure of Government decision-making. The resignation follows Burnham telling his Cabinet that ministers must "always show how they are going to pay" for policies, a message issued just hours after his own energy bills announcement drew scrutiny for lacking costed detail.
In short
- Labour's cost of living czar quits Government after under six months.
- Warned Andy Burnham it's "damn hard to get anything done".
- Follows criticism of Burnham's unfunded £850m energy bills plan.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those concerned about Government delivery see the adviser's resignation and warning as honest testimony to genuine structural obstacles. Implementing policy through established bureaucracy, competing departmental priorities, and fiscal constraints creates real friction that experienced professionals recognise. The departure signals legitimate concerns about institutional barriers that Burnham should address seriously if the Government hopes to translate ambition into results, suggesting systemic challenges rather than personal failure.
The case against
The adviser's six-month departure combined with public complaints about difficulty "getting things done" may reflect unrealistic expectations or inadequate preparation for the role rather than institutional dysfunction. Experienced Government operators have succeeded within similar constraints, suggesting the issue concerns individual fit more than systemic failure. The timing is notably pointed given Burnham's contemporaneous insistence that ministers must properly cost policies before announcement, implying the adviser struggled with the discipline required.
Explained simply
Britain has been grappling with a cost of living crisis for several years, as households struggle with increased energy bills and inflation. The Government appointed a "cost of living czar" – a senior adviser tasked with developing and implementing policies to help people afford essential expenses.
Recently, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced an £850 million energy support package to help households with their bills. The package was announced without a clearly explained funding plan, attracting criticism for lacking detail on how its costs would be covered.
This week, Burnham instructed his Cabinet ministers that all new policies must clearly demonstrate their funding sources. The Government's cost of living adviser has now resigned after less than six months in the role, warning that it is extremely difficult to get things done within Government.
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