Burnham promises to ease cost of living pressures if he becomes prime minister

Makerfield MP said he would consider reducing business rates as part of a package that could also include freeze on private rents

Andy Burnham promised to ease the cost of living if he becomes prime minister in his first interview since returning to parliament.

The Makerfield MP told LBC that if he became prime minister later this month, as expected, he would look at reducing business rates for some high street businesses, bringing down water and energy costs by de-privatising companies and making bus travel free for 16- to 18-year-olds.