Andy Burnham has pledged to maintain minimum annual payments of £312 for state pensioners born before 1951 (men) or 1953 (women) if he becomes Prime Minister, reaffirming his support for the Triple Lock mechanism. The MP for Makerfield, sworn into office on Monday, has backed Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves' stance on the metric, which ensures the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) state pension rises by the highest of average weekly earnings, inflation, or 2.5 per cent.
Triple Lock and pension increases
The Triple Lock guarantees that the state pension increases each year by the highest of three measures. With the current full state pension worth £241 a week, a 2.5 per cent rise—the minimum possible increase—would add £6 per week, equating to £312 annually. This applies specifically to those on the full state pension, typically men born before 1951 and women born before 1953.
Sir Keir Starmer's transition comments
On Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer recorded a pooled TV interview in Milton Keynes promoting the government's Great British Summer Savings Scheme. When asked if he would serve in a Burnham government, Starmer stated he is stepping down after two years, leaving the country in a better position. He emphasised an orderly transition, saying: "I will continue to faithfully serve my country to make sure that any disruption is absolutely minimised." He added that he wants "whatever comes next to be a success" and will "do everything I can to make sure it’s a success and thrives."
