Burnham's former adviser warns his premiership is already on the 'downslope' as EU reset price tag grows

From the Newshound archive · first published 14 October 2026.

Andy Burnham's former adviser Andy Haldane has launched a public attack on the Prime Minister, declaring his 'high-water mark' has passed and forecasting economic and political difficulties to come. Haldane, once a close ally, warned that households are heading for a new cost-of-living squeeze and described Burnham's flagship care service plan as well-intentioned but 'probably unfundable'. The broadside arrived as the EU reportedly signalled it will demand youth free movement, heavily discounted university fees for European students, a substantial budget contribution and UK acceptance of Brussels rules in return for agreements at next month's summit.

Lord Kinnock, Burnham's own mentor, reportedly told an Italian newspaper his 'obvious' eventual objective is to rejoin the EU entirely.

The EU summit is scheduled for 20 November, with Burnham claiming the deals could add more than £10 billion a year to the UK economy by 2040.

UK borrowing costs have hit a 28-year high, with the 10-year gilt yield at 5.39%, piling pressure on Chancellor John Healey's forthcoming Budget.