Andy Burnham, the Labour MP for Makerfield and likely next Prime Minister, is planning an 'affordable energy guarantee' that would hand every household a £179 discount on their energy bills. The proposal aims to tackle the cost of living crisis by providing discounted rates for basic electricity and gas consumption, delivering approximately £225 in annual savings for middle-income families.
Details of the Affordable Energy Guarantee
Under the change, which would come into effect when Sir Keir Starmer steps down, households would receive cheaper rates for what is deemed essential energy consumption, with thresholds determined by usage. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation calculates that the poorest families would see their bills reduced by £270 annually. Even the wealthiest households would benefit, gaining an average discount of £179 on their energy costs.
Burnham has warned that families were 'paying too much for the basics,' stating: 'We do need to be serious about putting more money back into people's pockets.'
Burnham's Path to Prime Minister
Burnham's Labour leadership bid has been backed by 322 out of 403 Labour MPs as he remains the only declared candidate. If no one else enters the contest, as expected, Burnham will be declared Labour leader this week before taking office as prime minister on 20 July.
Speaking at the Silver Clef music awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where he was delivering the Legend Award to Manchester indie band James, Burnham said: 'The legends that we're here to honour have not shied away from politics in their career, but I promise you, I am not going to talk politics to you tonight... Except to say this, 'Count Binface, you are carrying the hopes of the nation. Don't let us down.''
Statement of Gratitude
In a statement, Burnham said he was 'deeply grateful' to the Labour MPs who had nominated him to be leader of the party. He said the support had come from across the party and reflected a 'shared belief that Britain needs a new approach to politics'. 'That is the circuit breaker I am offering: power out of Westminster, an economy rewired for ordinary people, and good growth in every postcode,' Burnham said.
