Pensioners could lose £1,600 a year by 2050 under Andy Burnham's plan to scrap the triple lock from 2030

Andy Burnham's plan drops average earnings, usually the most generous measure, from the state pension formula. Pension advisers Hymans Robertson say the pension would reach £33,500 by 2050 instead of £35,100. Work and pensions minister Torsten Bell refused to give MPs any figures for the losses. Ministers say the cut will fund Burnham's National Care Service.

Ros Altmann: 'Dropping the earnings link removes the most important part of the triple lock.'

Earnings growth of 3.9% beat 3.5% inflation, so earnings will set next April's rise.

Burnham insists the watered-down version can still be called a triple lock.