Andy Burnham has ruled out Department for Work and Pensions compensation payments for three million WASPI women if he becomes Prime Minister, a significant policy shift that could impact his leadership campaign.
Burnham's Stance on WASPI Compensation
Mr Burnham, the former Greater Manchester Mayor and new MP for Makerfield, confirmed his plan to run for Prime Minister after Sir Keir Starmer resigned as Labour Party leader and PM on Monday. He is currently on a train to Euston today.
As Mr Burnham's future looks to be based at Number 10 Downing Street, all eyes are turning to his policies. He has been a public supporter of the 3.6 million women born in the 1950s who claim they lost out because they were not properly informed of changes to the state pension age.
Cost Concerns Lead to Policy Reversal
The cost of a scheme to pay all the WASPI women would be up to £10.5 billion. Mr Burnham was reported to have told a hustings event during the campaign he would "stick by the Waspi women because they deserve some recompense for the unfairness."
But following concern about the cost of such a scheme, a spokesperson clarified that he "accepts the final decision" of the government not to grant compensation. This means WASPI women won't get £2,950 payouts recommended by an Ombudsman if Mr Burnham becomes PM and succeeds Starmer as expected.
Tributes and Reactions
Gordon Brown, the last Labour PM, has paid tribute to Starmer, saying: "Keir Starmer’s place in history is assured. We owe Keir a debt of gratitude for taking Labour from its worst electoral defeat in 2019, bringing Labour back into government with a huge majority in 2024 and then guiding Britain through difficult times nationally and globally."
Al Carns, who only became a Labour MP in 2024 and who resigned as armed forces minister recently over his opposition to the defence investment plan, also posted on social media this morning. "Keir has done the right thing. It took courage to make that decision and I respect him for it," said the Birmingham MP. "The Labour party now has an important job to do. The country is watching to see if we can get our act together and focus on the work we were elected to do. That’s where my focus is now."
