Secret ‘power battle’ that Burnham wants hushed up | Politics | News
It has been claimed there is a secret “power struggle” over Andy Burnham’s choice for Chancellor. Conservative MP Esther McVey revealed an alleged “power struggle” behind Mr Burnham’s choice of Mr Healey, involving the new Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Louise Haigh, who is considered the Prime Minister’s right-hand woman.
He described how a “disagreement” led to Ms Haigh playing the “ultimate power struggle” to appoint John Healey. Commentators thought Andy Burnham would appoint Ed Miliband or Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor of the Exchequer when he became Prime Minister. But Healey, who had previously resigned from his post as Defense Minister in a major blow to then prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, was elected.
Speaking on our podcast The Daily Expresso, Ms McVey said: “So Shabana Mahmood, Ed Miliband and Louise Hague entered Number 10. And there was a 90-minute delay, a real power play, a real power struggle. Who was going to be the chancellor?” Ms McVey added: “Supposedly they had all fallen out. Then Louise Haigh played the ultimate power struggle and said ‘we’ll get John Healey instead’.”
Mr Burnham said that once he officially became Labor leader, he would create “a stronger, more united Labor Party that will deliver on a stronger, more united Britain”.
He added: “I will work to build a new politics.
“The country is crying out for this.
“We may enjoy scoring points against others, but the public doesn’t.
“How can politicians point fingers when living standards are falling and politics as a whole is of no use to them?
“This infuriates them and causes them to shut down.”
The government today announced a 20% cut to business bills for pubs, clubs and live music venues; This is estimated to save the typical pub around £1,100 next year.
Mr Burnham and Mr Healey visited The Hare Pub in Harlow, Essex.
The Prime Minister said: “For too long governments have stood by and watched beloved venues disappear from local high streets. So today I am changing that.
“This government will support the businesses people want to see in their communities. “I said I would protect pubs and local high streets, which are the beating heart of our communities, and that’s what we will do.
“What we’re announcing today is just the beginning as we work to restore hope across the country.”
Mr Healey said: “Pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across the UK. They help create a place we love. They bring people together, support local businesses and help keep high streets and town centers busy, so we’ll be backing them all the way.
“We are committed to restoring hope, giving businesses the support they need, and creating growth in every zip code.”
