In his first major policy announcement since becoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has revealed that single bus fares across England will be capped at £2 from January, a move designed to ease the cost-of-living pressures facing millions of households. The nationwide cap, currently set at £3 until March 2027, will now be reduced to £2 throughout 2027, reversing an increase implemented by Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves in 2024. The measure is backed by £454 million of funding, including money to allow devolved governments to take similar action.

Burnham, who previously served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester where he successfully introduced a £2 bus fare cap, described the policy as a direct response to the financial struggles of ordinary people. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, he said: 'This is about putting the right values and the right standards at the heart of government. A simple, affordable bus fare can make the difference between someone being able to get to work, to an interview, or to see family. We are restoring hope and common sense to public policy.'

The 'Burnham Bounce' and Shifting Polls

The announcement comes as a new poll reveals a dramatic shift in the political landscape. Reform UK’s lead has evaporated since Burnham took over from Sir Keir Starmer. What is being called a 'Burnham bounce' has seen support for Labour jump eight points compared to mid-June, bringing Labour level with Nigel Farage’s party on 28%. This represents a significant turnaround for Labour, which had been trailing Reform UK in recent months amid widespread dissatisfaction with the previous administration.

Political analysts attribute the surge to Burnham's perceived authenticity, his track record on devolution and public services, and his immediate focus on cost-of-living issues. 'Burnham has managed to reconnect with voters who felt abandoned by the political establishment,' said Professor Susan Hartley of the London School of Economics. 'His message of a 'circuit breaker' and his emphasis on practical measures like the bus fare cap are resonating particularly well in working-class communities that had been drifting towards Reform UK.'

Burnham's leadership style and policy agenda are seen as a deliberate break from the Starmer era. He has signalled a more interventionist approach to the economy, with hints that the £12,570 threshold for paying income tax may rise. On the eve of becoming Prime Minister, Burnham told The Times that the freezing of income tax thresholds since 2022 was 'the thing I heard the most on the doorsteps' during the Makerfield by-election. He stressed that the issue was 'lodged in my mind' and that he wanted to 'make people feel better' about their finances.

Reactions and Condemnations

The bus fare cap has been broadly welcomed by transport campaigners, local authorities, and many Labour MPs. However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has called for an immediate general election, arguing that Burnham has no mandate to enact such sweeping policies. 'This is a desperate attempt to buy votes with taxpayers' money,' Farage said in a statement. 'The country deserves a fresh mandate. He should go to the country now.'

Scottish First Minister John Swinney also congratulated Burnham but pushed for action on the cost of living in Scotland. 'The UK faces a number of serious challenges at this moment, and Andy Burnham is correct when he says that Westminster is not working for the vast majority of people. Therefore, taking action on the cost of living must be an absolute priority,' Swinney said. Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth urged Burnham not to bypass the Welsh parliament and called for an early meeting to strengthen devolution.

International leaders have also sent their congratulations. Canadian Prime Minister and fellow Everton fan Mark Carney posted on X: 'Congratulations to Andy Burnham on becoming the new Prime Minister of the UK. Canada and the UK have shared history, enduring ties, and deep connections between our peoples. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Burnham to build greater security, stability, and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.' Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were among others who offered their support.

Burnham's First Day: Symbolism and Substance

Burnham’s first day in office was marked by both symbolic gestures and concrete policy announcements. After being invited by the King to form a government, he addressed a crowd outside No.10, pledging to end rough sleeping in London and other parts of the country. 'I will soon go through that door behind me and issue my first instruction to end rough sleeping in our country. It's about putting the right values and the right standards at the heart of government,' he declared. He also announced an extra £340 million to tackle rough sleeping, building on his record as Greater Manchester Mayor, where he successfully reduced street homelessness.

Burnham's personal story also touched the nation. He revealed that his father, Roy, suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and would not be aware that his son had become Prime Minister. Speaking to The Times, Burnham said: 'That’s a sadness because he would be proud. The way I look at it, it’s his achievement as well. A whole family achievement, although he doesn’t know it.' The admission drew sympathy and highlighted the human side of political leadership.

The New Cabinet and Departures

Burnham has begun forming his Cabinet, with John Healey named as Chancellor and Angela Rayner making a big comeback in a senior role. Ed Miliband, who served as Sir Keir Starmer's Net Zero Secretary, is expected to become Foreign Secretary or Chancellor, though his exact role remains unconfirmed. Miliband was seen saying farewell to staff at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The transition of power also means the UK now has a record nine surviving former prime ministers: Sir John Major, Sir Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Lord Cameron, Baroness May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Sir Keir Starmer. This unprecedented number reflects the rapid turnover of leaders in the past decade. All are expected to appear together at the Remembrance Sunday service in November.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

The bus fare cap is just one part of Burnham’s broader agenda. He has pledged to reframe the relationship between central and local government, to give more powers to cities and regions, and to tackle the housing crisis. His promise to end rough sleeping is ambitious, but he has a track record of delivery in Greater Manchester, where homelessness fell by more than a third under his mayoralty.

However, challenges loom large. The economy remains fragile, public services are stretched, and the political landscape is fragmented. Reform UK, despite being level with Labour, could still pose a threat in by-elections and local contests. Burnham’s ability to maintain the 'bounce' will depend on his government’s success in delivering tangible improvements to people's lives.

As he walked into 10 Downing Street, Burnham shook hands with Dame Antonia Romeo, the Cabinet Secretary, and was cheered by supporters. His wife, Marie-France van Heel, stood by his side. The new Prime Minister has promised a 'new national sense of unity, common purpose, and positivity.' The country will be watching closely to see if he can deliver on that promise.

Source:The Standard News