Who’s going to pay the bill for Andy’s largesse? Day two sees a raft of uncosted promises – and the first mutiny from a sacked Starmerite echoing the nation
The article covers the second day of Andy Burnham's government, focusing on questions over how his early policy pledges will be funded. Burnham told his Cabinet they must "always show how they are going to pay" for new policies, a warning that came just hours after he unveiled an unfunded £850 million package of help with energy bills, prompting criticism over the lack of costings behind his early announcements.
The piece also notes Burnham's decision to spend his first full day working from "No10 North" in Manchester, which he insisted was "not a gimmick" despite the fact a permanent northern office is not due to open until 2032. Elsewhere it touches on the departure of Sir Keir Starmer, reportedly seen having a pub farewell with Rachel Reeves as aides wore "Sparkle with Starmer" T-shirts, and on Conservative calls for Angela Rayner to repay a £17,000 payoff she received when she quit over a tax row, given she has returned to her old role just ten months later.
- Burnham's government faces scrutiny over uncosted policy pledges on day two.
- He unveiled an unfunded £850m energy bills package, then told Cabinet to cost policies.
- Starmer's exit and a Rayner payoff row also feature in coverage.