UK — Andy Burnham presented an economically interventionist platform centered on 'cost of living populism' in a recent speech. A Labour source close to Mr. Burnham stated that his Monday speech "made it clear that he would not be pitching business as usual" if he assumes leadership of the party. The source added, "His instincts are economically interventionist, and he will act with radicalism to boost growth and living standards."

Angela Rayner, former deputy prime minister, spoke in support of Mr. Burnham. She said he had "shown the difference active political leadership can make" as mayor of Greater Manchester. Rayner also commented on the economic message, saying, "He's right that government can't just tell people to tighten their belts while costs soar." She added, "This poll shows that his leadership could transform our politics as well as economics."

The Persuasion UK research, co-funded by the Global Fund for a New Economy, indicated that a Labour platform focused on "cost of living populism" could achieve 34% of the national vote, translating to 358 seats and a parliamentary majority of 66. Conversely, the research suggested that if Labour maintained its current trajectory, it could secure 19% of the total vote share and 95 seats.

The research, which involved polling approximately 10,000 voters using the multi-level regression and poststratification (MRP) technique, also examined the impact in seats where Reform UK posed a threat. In the 124 Labour-held seats identified as vulnerable to Reform UK, a "cost of living populism" platform could allow Labour to retain 92 seats. Under Labour's current polling, only 41 of these seats would be retained.

MP Miatta Fahnbulleh, a former thinktank chief executive who advised Mr. Burnham on economic policy, noted the polling results. She said, "The cost of living is the most salient issue and this polling shows its not only the right thing to do in terms of addressing what people care about but it also makes sense politically for Labour." Policies considered in the poll included an emergency brake on landlord rent increases alongside increased state-led social housing construction and purchases. Other ideas were an affordable energy guarantee, cheap bus fares, an expansion of free school meals to all primary-age children, and raising the tax rate on investors' profits to match workers' wages.

Mr. Burnham has pledged to adhere to the Labour Party manifesto. He has been considering appointing Ed Miliband as chancellor, though a final decision on the choice for chancellor has not been announced. Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, has also been mentioned by some MPs as a potential alternative for the chancellor role.