Andy Burnham, who is set to become the next prime minister, is reportedly considering higher fuel duty as a way to raise funds for an expanded council house-building programme. The move, still at the speculation stage, has raised concerns that motorists could face additional costs at the pumps just as Burnham pushes ahead with a major housebuilding drive, a flagship early priority for his premiership.

Details of exactly how much extra drivers might pay, or when any changes could take effect, have not been confirmed, with the report describing the prospect as a fear rather than a settled policy. The story comes as Burnham begins shaping his leadership agenda, including a pledge to shift Labour further left and a separate vow to unite the party against the hard right rather than compete with Reform UK.