Andy Burnham has declined to rule out introducing a wealth tax before taking office as prime minister on Monday, suggesting an incoming government may eventually need to ask taxpayers for more. In an interview with Gary Lineker, Burnham said he did not want to immediately create new divisions but added that fairness required keeping options open.
Burnham reaffirmed commitments to Labour's 2024 manifesto pledges not to raise VAT, income tax or national insurance, while acknowledging he will inherit fiscal pressures including a £4.7 billion gap in defence investment funding. Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, is considered the frontrunner to serve as chancellor.
Opposition parties seized on the remarks. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned of a "summer of chaos" under Labour, while Reform UK's Robert Jenrick called on Burnham to rule out ten taxes he has previously supported. Campaign groups including Oxfam and Tax Justice UK have proposed a 2% levy on assets above £10 million.