The Education Secretary has said that Andy Burnham would have “a lot to offer” in the House of Commons. Asked on Sky News if he should become an MP, Bridget Phillipson said:
“I think that is up to Andy, course he would have a lot to offer. He’s doing a great job as Mayor of Manchester.”
Phillipson added: “We do have a process for for making sure that we don’t see other other vacancies arise, and of course we we did just have a general election a couple years ago.” Starmer’s aides have briefed that they will prevent another Burnham attempt to get to the Commons. The situation may be different after the NEC elections shortly…
On the issue of whether Starmer mislead the Commons, Phillipson told the Today Programme: “Is there pressure in government to make sure things are done in a timely way? Of course.” Not quite “no pressure whatsoever” as Starmer told parliament, is it…
Speaking at his speech on how to achieve “progressive capitalism” Wes Streeting fired a dig and Andy Burnham:
“Bond markets are not bond villains and fiscal rules matter.”