Chris Mason: Starmer ally takes swipe at Burnham's first big policy
Newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces early criticism from former government official Darren Jones regarding the funding of his proposed VAT cuts on electricity. Jones highlighted that previous government initiatives, such as the Digital ID program, remain unfunded, raising questions about fiscal responsibility.
Why it matters
This internal political friction signals potential challenges for the new administration in balancing popular tax relief with existing budgetary deficits.
Image source, Reuters By Chris Mason Political editor Published 14 minutes ago Whenever there is a reshuffle at the top of government, it is worth keeping an eye and an ear on the dislodged, demoted and rejected former ministers. What do they choose to do and say next?
Andy Burnham has started his first full day in the job with a promise to cut VAT from household electricity bills from 1 October.
But already – within hours - he is taking flak from a man who just yesterday was in a senior job in Downing Street working alongside Sir Keir Starmer.
On Monday night, the former Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones. posted a picture on X of him having a beer , external , captioned "thank you and good night. See you September."
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