Healey prepares first Budget as Chancellor under Burnham

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 10:32 · Archive

John Healey, appointed Chancellor by Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July, will present his first Budget on Wednesday.

John Healey will present his first Budget as Chancellor on Wednesday. He was appointed to the role in July by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, succeeding Keir Starmer's government.

The government has already implemented several cost-of-living measures, including a £2 bus fare cap and scrapping VAT on energy bills. Healey has promised to give consumers 'breathing space' in the Budget. Key decisions on spending, including defence spending, will be postponed until a spending review next year.

Some Westminster observers believe that if the Budget is well received, it could pave the way for an early general election as soon as next year. The Treasury has introduced new security measures to prevent leaks ahead of the announcement. Burnham is reported to be closely involved in both the decision-making and the political strategy surrounding the Budget, unlike his predecessor.

The government has positioned itself as focused on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, with the Budget representing a significant early test of Burnham's administration.

How it is being reported

• Can John Healey make a dent in the cost of living crisis in his first budget?Much of the Burnham project depends on how the budget is received, as promise of ‘breathing space’ is a two-way street You be the chancellor: play our budget game to see if you can balance the books Every Sunday night, the chancellor, John Healey, slips next door to Andy Burnham’s Downing Street flat where they order a curry and chew over politics on the prime minister’s sofa. A takeaway Indian is one of the totemic issues in British politics, a “treat” fewer people can afford, like a pint at the football or soft play for the kids. Continue reading...Guardian Business · 24 Oct, 10:00
• John Healey faces biggest test yet as MPs whisper about early election if Budget lands wellJohn Healey faces his biggest moment in nearly 30 years in Parliament as the Chancellor draws up his first Budget since being appointed by Andy BurnhamThe Mirror · 24 Oct, 09:58

In this story: John Healey · Andy Burnham · Keir Starmer · Donald Trump · Vladimir Putin · UK · Downing Street

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