‘We need to be careful’: Andy Burnham’s team keenly aware of fiscal tightrope

Andy Burnham faces a balancing act between appearing bold but not reckless when it comes to the economy. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Andy Burnham has not quite gone for Keir Starmer’s extreme caution in the run-up to entering No 10 – but he is certainly aware that any early wrong moves would cost him.

Back in 2024, Starmer was criticised for his “Ming vase” strategy of treading very carefully so as not to drop a valuable metaphorical piece of china being carried across the room.