Is Starmer deliberately leaving a mess for Burnham?

Loading player...
Keir Starmer has been accused of leaving Andy Burnham with a £4.7bn black hole in defence funding. The government announced on Tuesday the defence investment plan, complete with a £15bn boost – but nearly £5bn would have to be found by a future chancellor. Allies of Burnham have called the announcement an ‘unexploded bomb’, so what options does the PM-in-waiting have? Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot discuss the political fallout. Plus Kiran and Jess answer your questions on Labour, No 10 North and Burnham. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
2 Jul English United Kingdom News

Other recent episodes

Cop31: will Andy Burnham choose climate or cost of living?

This week the British prime minister will join world leaders in Turkey for the Cop31 summit. But he may raise some eyebrows as it looks like domestically he is prioritising the cost of living over tackling the climate crisis. The government is set to reduce electric vehicle targets from 80%…
9 Nov 20 min

What can Andy Burnham learn from the ‘blue wave’ in the US?

As Donald Trump licks his wounds from a bruising set of midterm election results, the UK will look nervously to what he might do on the international stage in order to cement his legacy. Plus, Pippa and Kiran discuss what lessons Labour can take from the Democrats, and ask if…
5 Nov 33 min

Why is Labour risking a row over migration?

As home secretary Shabana Mahmood announces her controversial migration plans, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the political context that has led to this announcement and why the timing for Andy Burnham – who is out of the country – is very convenient for him. Help support our independent journalism…
2 Nov 22 min