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There was a secret “power battle” over Andy Burnham’s choice of Chancellor, it has been claimed. Conservative MP Esther McVey revealed a purported “power struggle” behind Mr Burnham’s selection of Mr Healey, involving the new Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who is considered the Prime Minister’s right-hand woman, Louise Haigh.

She told how a “fall out” led to Ms Haigh playing the “ultimate power battle” to appoint John Healey. Commentators believed that Andy Burnham would appoint either Ed Miliband or Shabana Mahmood as the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he became the Prime Minister. But Healey was chosen, who had previously resigned from his post as Defence Secretary in a major blow to then-premier Sir Keir Starmer.

Speaking on our podcast The Daily Expresso, Ms McVey said: “So walking into Number 10 was Shabana Mahmood, Ed Miliband and Louise Hague. And there was a 90-minute delay, a real power play, a real power struggle. Who was going to be Chancellor?” Ms McVey added: “Supposedly, they’d all fallen out. And then Louise Haigh played the ultimate power battle and said ‘we’re going to have John Healey instead.'”

Mr Burnham said after officially becoming Labour leader that he would create “a stronger, more united Labour Party lifting up a stronger and more united Britain”.

He added: “I will work to build a new politics.

“The country is crying out for it.

“We might enjoy the point scoring against others. The public don’t.

“How can politicians point fingers when living standards are falling and politics as a whole isn’t working for them?

“It infuriates them and makes them switch off.”

The government announced today that pubs, clubs and live music venues are set to receive a 20% cut to their business rates bills, which is estimated to save the typical pub an estimated £1,100 next year.

Mr Burnham and Mr Healey visited The Hare Pub in Harlow, Essex.

The Prime Minister said: “For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.

“This government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do.

“What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”

Mr Healey said: “Pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across the UK. They help make a place what we love. They bring people together, support local jobs and help keep high streets and town centres busy — which is why we will back them all the way.

“We are determined to bring hope back, give businesses the support they need and generate growth in every postcode.”