Andy Burnham has signalled he could give vulnerable people a ‘basic income’ worth five times what they currently receive on benefits if he becomes prime minister. The Greater Manchester mayor, who previously backed the idea of cash payments for those who have been in care, made the pledge as he campaigns in the Makerfield by-election — a contest that could propel him into the Labour leadership and, ultimately, Downing Street.
With polling day just days away, Westminster is already turning to what a Burnham government would look like. Perhaps the biggest early decision would be who he picks as chancellor. Given Burnham has chosen to rail against 40 years of “neoliberalism” during the by-election campaign, there was an early assumption that the second most important job in government would go to a member of the party’s “soft left”. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was seen as the leading candidate. But sources now suggest Miliband is at risk of being snubbed for the role, as Burnham considers other options for his potential cabinet.
“Andy Burnham pledges basic income five times benefits for vulnerable if PM, as chancellor race heats up”
The basic income proposal — aimed at the most vulnerable, including care leavers — would be a radical departure from the current benefits system. Burnham has previously supported the idea of giving cash to those who have been in care, and the new figure of five times current payments underlines his ambition for a more generous safety net.
The Makerfield by-election is seen as Burnham’s launchpad. If he wins, he is expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. The race for roles in his potential cabinet is already heating up, with allies jostling for position. Burnham’s choice of chancellor — whether a soft-left figure like Miliband or a different pick — will signal the direction of his economic policy.
As the by-election enters its final stretch, Burnham’s basic income pledge has sharpened the contrast with the current government’s approach. Whether he gets the chance to implement it depends on voters in Makerfield — and on his ability to unseat Starmer.