Andy Burnham finally breaks silence on his tax plans as ‘summer of chaos’ looms ? | Politics | News

Andy Burnham speaking to Gary Lineker (Image: Goalhanger)
Kemi Badneoch has slammed Andy Burnham for declining to rule out a wealth tax on Britons.
The incoming Prime Minister suggested the Government โmight be having to ask for a little moreโ at some point.
The prime minister-in-waiting did not commit to a change but said the UK needed a โgreater sense of fairnessโ when quizzed on whether he would consider introducing a “wealth tax” on the “super-rich” to tackle inequality in the UK.
The Conservative leader said: “Andy Burnham isn’t even Prime Minister yet but he’s already talking about raising your taxes again. We are heading for another summer of chaos with Labour obsessing about who they can tax to pay for more benefits. It doesnโt matter who is in charge, the problem is the Labour Party.”
Mr Burnham has so far revealed little of his plans for the country despite being just days away from taking office,
Mr Burnham told former footballer Gary Lineker in an interview for the Goalhanger that he would “obviously take my time to properly look at the state of things, particularly the state of finances”.
But he added: “And I just said a moment ago, Gary, about bringing people together. You know, I donโt want to come in and sort of, if you like, create new divisions and pitch people one against another.
โIโm not going rule things out right now. I do believe we need a greater sense of fairness and people feeling that things are being done in the right way and a fair way. But at the same time, you know, I donโt want to sort of be perceived as somebody whoโs coming in with grudges and agendas and, you know, going to just immediately find or demonise one group or create a new way of dividing people.โ
He added: โSo, you know, decisions to be taken in time, theyโre going to be difficult. Iโm not going to shy away from that. You know, we are going to have to work quite hard to make sure, you know, we can pay our way.
โAnd at some point that might be having to ask for a little more. But, you know, those decisions are not for now. Theyโre for another day.โ
It has been reported that current Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood could become Chancellor under the new administration.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who was also touted for the top Treasury role, is on course to become Foreign Secretary.
Reformโs Shadow Chancellor, Robert Jenrick, said: โBurnham has finally broken his two week silence and admitted that he will hike peopleโs taxes. But he wonโt say which ones. He should stop hiding and rule out the ten taxes – ยฃ3,450 for every family – heโs previously supported but has no mandate for. Reform UK will fight him at every turn.”
Mr Burnham suggested to the former Match of the Day host that he would be “very upfront” in areas of disagreement with US President Donald Trump.
Mr Trump last month gave his first public reaction to Mr Burnham as Sir Keir’s successor, with the US President branding him an “extremely liberal” politician and “the mayor of a town”.
Mr Burnham indicated he would be willing to disagree with Mr Trump but would try to “meet him where he’s at” while “respecting the office”.
