Andy Burnham Launches Major Policy Shifts

New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham opened ‘Number 10 North’ in Manchester, cut VAT on energy bills, and pledged to exempt state pensioners from income tax.

He also faced pushback over rent controls and early prison releases as he reshaped the government.

Burnham’s cabinet included three Indian-origin Labour MPs in front-bench roles, and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting launched a ‘charm offensive’ to rebuild bridges with the Trump administration.

Intelligence insiders warned that Vladimir Putin would test Burnham’s resolve within months, seeking to exploit any cracks in the NATO alliance while the US is distracted with Iran.