Andy Burnham plans to make reforming social care in England and Wales the central issue of Labour’s next general-election campaign. The article argues that this effectively rules out an early election, as the government needs time to develop and present a detailed, tax-funded plan.

Burnham has yet to explain how the reform would be paid for, while also remaining unclear on taxes, welfare spending and Heathrow’s third runway. His personal commitment is shaped by his father’s experience with Alzheimer’s, but the issue carries political risks, having damaged previous leaders through “death tax” accusations and likely prompting opposition parties to attack Labour’s proposals.