Andy Burnham declared his mission to boost living standards of UK households during a major speech ahead of likely becoming the next Prime Minister. The former Greater Manchester Mayor struck a hopeful tone, insisting everyone should be able to look forward to a night out or a holiday with the family.
Key pledges and timeline
If he moves into Downing Street, Burnham will be the latest PM tasked with growing the economy and making a tangible difference to people's lives. The cost of living - prices in shops and costs of monthly bills - is a key concern raised time and again on the doorsteps. A common complaint among voters is that 'everything is going up' in price and they have got less, if any, money left in their pockets at the end of the month.
During his speech on Monday, the new MP for Makerfield insisted it was his '10-year mission to raise living standards', while acknowledging 'people can't wait forever'. Real-terms wages have remained stagnant in the UK for nearly 20 years, meaning households are increasingly feeling the pinch as bills and prices go up every year.
Economic approach and vision
Burnham said: 'Ours is a 10-year mission to raise living standards,' adding 'people can't wait forever'. He says he will not take risks with public finances and seek to give Britain 'breathing space' as soon as I can. Burnham ends his speech by saying 'imagine good growth in every postcode and hope in every heart'. He then finishes with: 'Imagine no more, let's make it happen.'
