Burnham Cuts Energy VAT, Elevates John Healey as Chancellor in First 24 Hours
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 21
Burnham Cuts Energy VAT, Elevates John Healey as Chancellor in First 24 Hours
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 21
Summary
John Healey emerged as Andy Burnham’s surprise chancellor pick within hours of the new prime minister sacking several Keir Starmer allies and ordering his first cabinet to focus on living costs.
A VAT cut on household energy bills became the new government’s first concrete move, signaling the breakneck pace Burnham promised; Conservatives back the measure but question how it will be funded.
Healey’s return to cabinet, alongside new defence secretary Wes Streeting and energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, brings back figures whose recent resignations had weakened Starmer and accelerated Burnham’s rise.
Westminster is already gaming out a snap election despite Burnham appearing to rule one out, with Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform preparing as rivals argue he lacks a fresh mandate.