- Prime Minister Andy Burnham is to undertake a national tour this coming week to improve the government’s connection with the British public during his premiership.
- Burnham is expected to announce policies to help people financially amid the cost of living crisis and to improve high streets across the country.
- Burnham has given the public 'breathing space' since succeeding Keir Starmer last month, and is now in 'listening mode' as he pushes his 10-year plan to bring back hope.
- The tour is expected to visit areas where Labour has lost support and areas hit by declining industry, including Port Talbot in south Wales, home to the UK's largest steelworks, given the closure of its final blast furnace in 2024.
- A spokesperson for Burnham said he believes Westminster has accepted everyday hassles like hidden pricing and consumers being ripped off, and he will roll out pro-consumer cost of living measures to give people 'room to breathe'.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will launch a national tour this week to reconnect with the public and unveil new cost of living measures amid rising inflation concerns.12
The tour aims to address financial struggles faced by many, with Burnham expected to announce policies to alleviate these issues.
A spokesperson stated, “He thinks Westminster has got used to telling people that everyday hassles – like hidden pricing and consumers being ripped off – must be accepted as part of life.” Burnham plans to roll out pro-consumer measures to provide relief.
The tour will likely include visits to areas where support has waned, such as Port Talbot, home to the UK’s largest steelworks, facing significant industry decline.45
However, opposition figures have criticized Burnham's approach. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride accused him of “breathtaking hypocrisy” and suggested that Labour's policies are harming high streets. Stride stated, “If Burnham is really serious about cutting the cost of living, he should adopt our plan for stronger high streets.”
The public remains concerned about the economy, with a recent Ipsos poll indicating that 30% of respondents view the economy as a leading concern.
As Burnham embarks on this tour, the effectiveness of his proposed measures will be closely scrutinized amidst ongoing economic challenges.
“The tour is likely to include Port Talbot, where the UK's largest steelworks closed its final blast furnace in 2024. Burnham's spokesperson said he will roll out pro-consumer measures to give people 'room to breathe'.”
The Guardian
