Andy Burnham Aims To Reduce Energy Bills For Voters

Andy Burnham is set to unveil plans to bring down energy bills to give people “more breathing room” in their everyday lives.

The incoming prime minister has held talks with Treasury officials on how tackling the cost of living will be his number one priority in office.

Raising the threshold at which workers start paying income tax, as well as capping bus fares at £2, are other measures Burnham is considering as he seeks to hit the ground running in No.10.

Burnham, who became Labour leader on Friday, will become the UK’s seventh PM since 2016 when he takes over from Keir Starmer on Monday.

Starmer will formally tender his resignation to the King at Buckingham Palace before making his final address from the steps of Downing Street.

After his own meeting with the monarch, Burnham will then travel to Downing Street himself, where he will tell the nation that he is “acutely conscious” of the political turmoil which has engulfed the UK in recent years.

Burnham will say that he is “acutely conscious” of being the sixth prime minister to walk up Downing Street in just 10 years, and pledging to introduce a more stable and responsible politics.

He will describe the moment as one of “reflection and resolution”, saying Britain must be honest about the challenges it faces while demonstrating that it can once again be recognised around the world for effective government.

Burnham will say that political stability must deliver “tangible improvements in people’s lives”, and call for national unity to improve the country.

The new PM will then disappear behind the famous No.10 black door to put the finishing touches to his new cabinet.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood is tipped to beat Ed Miliband to the crucial role of chancellor.

Miliband could become foreign secretary, while there will also be cabinet returns for Louise Haigh, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting.

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