Stories

Wed, 16 Sep 2026

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 Henry Zeffman: Andy Burnham and his chancellor have a battle on their hands as the Budget approaches

The Budget is only six weeks away and the economy is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing the prime minister.

*Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended his approach, but acknowledged that the economy is a major challenge facing the government.
*Chancellor John Healey promised to "control public spending" in his first major speech as chancellor, but his tone and priorities differ from those of the Prime Minister.
*There are concerns within the Labour Party about how the upcoming Budget can deliver on Burnham's rhetoric about offering significant change, while also demonstrating fiscal credibility.
*The removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance for most pensioners has raised questions about whether the government is willing to disappoint its own MPs in order to shore up its electoral coalition and maintain the "progressive" vote.