‘He knows what he’s doing’: Burnham’s off-the-cuff remarks inspire headlines and headaches
New PM’s conversational tone is markedly different to his predecessor’s, but carries risk of sowing confusionBefore he became Britain’s prime minister, Andy Burnham promised to “do
By The Guardian
Andy Burnham’s first days as prime minister have already brought scrutiny over how he communicates policy, after remarks on tax and rents prompted reports of possible U-turns. The Guardian said the issue is that his more conversational style can create confusion even as it differs sharply from his predecessor’s.
According to the report, Burnham had promised to “do politics differently” before becoming prime minister. The article said that promise was being tested just three days into his time in Downing Street.
The Guardian said Burnham was accused over the last two days of changing position on raising the income tax threshold, raising taxes for higher earners and freezing private sector rents. It also said he later clarified that raising the income tax threshold was still an option.
The report did not name any business, venue, council, police force, residents or customers, and it focused on Burnham’s public comments rather than an incident at a specific location. It also placed the main developments in the first days of his premiership, beginning with his speech on the steps of Downing Street in London.