Burnham Era Begins: VAT Cut on Electricity and Cabinet Overhaul
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has started his tenure with a VAT cut on electricity bills, promising 'breathing space' amid the cost-of-living crisis. Major cabinet reshuffles see John Healey as chancellor and Wes Streeting as defence secretary, with many Starmer loyalists ousted.
The Andy Burnham era is officially underway in the UK, with the new prime minister making a splash by announcing a cut in value-added tax (VAT) on electricity bills. Burnham has framed the move as providing the country with 'breathing space' in the face of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. However, with prices still rising, questions remain about whether households will actually feel better off and whether the tax cut is properly funded.
Meanwhile, Burnham's new cabinet has gathered for the first time after a significant purge of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's loyalists. Key appointments include John Healey as chancellor of the exchequer and Wes Streeting as defence secretary. These changes signal a clear shift in direction for the new government, both in personnel and policy.
