Andy Burnham’s new government, a balancing act

Andy Burnham’s first days as Prime Minister have been marked by a flurry of announcements designed to show that his government intends to move quickly. Presenting himself as a leader focused on easing pressure on households and rebuilding trust in politics, Burnham has begun reshaping government while signalling the priorities that will define his administration.

His first major moves were aimed directly at the cost-of-living crisis, announcing a reduction in VAT on household energy bills, followed by a single bus fare policy across England that will be capped at £2 for a year from January 2027.

Mr Burnham described affordable public transport as an essential service and argued that no one should be excluded from opportunities because they cannot afford to travel.

The Prime Minister has also promised a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues for 2027-28. This is in addition to the 15% relief for 2026-27 with bills being frozen in real terms for a further two years. The new 20% discount will not be available to the very largest live music venues. Further details will be set out at the Budget.

However, questions are already being raised about how these promises will be funded as the government plans to divert hundreds of millions of pounds from other budgets, including money previously earmarked for international climate finance projects.

The government has said that the business rates reduction will be paid by reviewing reliefs for businesses that are not considered to make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops. Businesses that sell through online marketplaces but do not comply with their tax obligations will also be targeted. A consultation on how this may be achieved was published in June 2026.

Mr Burnham has also started to build his ministerial team, with the surprise announcement being the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor. The former defence secretary, who resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet over spending plans, will be seen as an advocate for boosting defence spending. Companies such as BAE Systems and Babcock saw their share prices rise after his appointment.

Mr Healey is regarded as experienced and fiscally responsible.

The government insists that fiscal discipline remains a priority, but speculation continues about whether future spending plans will require higher taxes or additional borrowing.

Taken together, the first week of Burnham's government paints a picture of an administration trying to balance competing priorities, wanting to reduce living costs while maintaining fiscal credibility.