BBC News reports that the newspaper front pages continue to concentrate on Andy Burnham’s opening period as prime minister, with several titles questioning how his administration will pay for its pledges.
The Daily Mail says the Conservatives have challenged the funding of what it describes as his left-wing spending plans. The i Paper reports claims from senior economists that the new prime minister may have to raise taxes or struggle to meet some of his more ambitious commitments.
The Times says Burnham has asked his Cabinet to identify savings to support promised measures. The Financial Times highlights Resolution Foundation analysis suggesting that increasing the tax-free personal allowance in line with inflation next year would cost £3.7bn.
According to The Guardian, Burnham intends to speed up plans for a national care service, which the paper says could require further spending before the next election.
The Daily Mirror’s editorial supports No 10’s £2 cap on bus fares in England, describing it as practical help during the cost-of-living pressures. The Daily Mail cites a TaxPayers’ Alliance estimate putting the cost of the policy at £240m.
In the Daily Express, Reform UK treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick says scrapping VAT on electricity bills is a positive first step but insufficient, arguing that the saving for households amounts to the price of a second-class stamp each week.
Away from Westminster, the Daily Telegraph carries comments from Debbie Adlam, the mother of PC Andrew Harper. She says the possible release of two of her son’s killers halfway through their prison terms under the government’s early-release scheme makes her feel sick, and warns there would be public anger if they were freed.
The sports pages focus on Chelsea’s reported £117m move for Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, a record fee for a British player. The Sun uses the headline “Morgan Fee Man”, while the Daily Star opts for “West Spend Boys”.
