Andy Burnham says the country needs "much more substantial change" to tackle its biggest problems

Ahead of a major economic speech, Chancellor John Healey called for growth that reaches every community, backing that message in a newspaper opinion piece and citing changes to Treasury rules intended to accelerate regional development. He reportedly consulted former premier Gordon Brown over the summer and met Prime Minister Andy Burnham several times, including socially. Healey also pledged that his October 28 budget would provide a safety cushion as economists cautioned that inflation stemming from the U.S. conflict with Iran could strain spending. That pressure could constrain Burnham’s plans to ease living costs and fulfill his broader agenda. Speaking in the Commons this week, Burnham voiced confidence the next decade could be stronger than the previous one and said the government would act decisively on the country’s biggest problems.