Andrew Marr

Andy Burnham, the Makerfield MP and former Greater Manchester mayor, is poised to become Prime Minister following parliament's summer break. He recently delivered a speech where he took no questions, leading to accusations from opposition leader Kemi Badenoch of dodging scrutiny. Burnham's allies maintain this is simply his distinct communication style. In his first interview since returning to parliament, he outlined plans to address the cost of living crisis. These proposals include reducing business rates for high street businesses, de-privatizing water and energy companies to lower costs, and implementing free bus travel for individuals aged 16 to 18. His current prominence stems from his anticipated ascension to the premiership and his policy pledges aimed at easing economic pressures on the public.