Key facts
- Andy Burnham plans to bring water companies and the national energy grid under public control if he becomes Prime Minister.
- He indicated support for WASPI women compensation, potentially costing billions.
- Burnham also proposed a one-year freeze on private rents and a cap on bus fares.
- He intends to tighten government procurement rules to prioritize hiring British workers.
- Burnham stated his aim is to reduce the welfare bill through preventative investments.
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor and a potential contender for Labour leadership, is outlining an agenda focused on public control of key utilities and services should he become Prime Minister. His proposals include bringing water companies, such as Thames Water, and parts of the national energy grid under public ownership, aiming to improve services and lower consumer bills. Burnham also indicated support for compensation for WASPI women, a move that could cost billions, and suggested a one-year freeze on private rents and a cap on bus fares.
In an interview with The Times, Burnham stated his intention to tighten regulation on government procurement to encourage companies to hire more Britons, framing this as a method to reduce the welfare bill through preventative investments rather than crude cuts. He suggested that a future Labour government under his leadership would prioritize initiatives that support people into work.
These policy ideas align with comments made by former defence secretary John Healey, who resigned over funding concerns and advocated for defence firms to hire local workers. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has previously stated his government is pursuing welfare reform. Polling suggests Burnham is projected to win the upcoming Makerfield by-election against Reform UK's Robert Kenyon.