Andy Burnham, the newly elected Labour MP for Makerfield and expected successor to Sir Keir Starmer, has been urged to introduce a nationwide £2 bus fare cap if he becomes Prime Minister. The call follows Starmer's resignation earlier this month and a Guardian poll outlining 'cost of living populism' measures, including rent controls and higher wealth taxes, to counter Reform UK in key battleground seats.
Bus fare cap proposal
In England, the current bus fare cap is £3, but in Greater Manchester, where Burnham serves as Mayor, it is £2. A Labour source close to Burnham stated that his Monday speech 'made it clear that he would not be pitching business as usual' if he replaces Starmer. 'His instincts are economically interventionist, and he will act with radicalism to boost growth and living standards,' the source said.
Burnham has pledged to cut the cost of living for millions of families. Writing in The Standard, he said: 'All parts of the UK should be able to take greater public control of essential services such as water, housing, energy, and transport, learning from the model that has transformed our bus networks in Greater Manchester.' He added: 'We will set out 10-year plans to bring down the cost of these essentials to individuals, families and businesses.'
Broader vision and criticism
In his Monday speech, Burnham promised to redistribute power across the UK to 'drive good growth in every postcode'. He also pledged the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period, a 'complete rethink' of education, and cuts to welfare. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham, saying he backs devolution because he 'doesn't know what to do so he wants to pass the problem to someone else'.
The poll, published by The Guardian, suggests that Labour must adopt radical economic policies to win back voters from Reform UK. Burnham's proposals are seen as a direct response to this challenge, with a focus on public ownership and affordability.
