Andy Burnham, the Labour lawmaker expected to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister, said on Monday the party would reduce the welfare bill in a way that is fair and lasting, helping people move forward rather than penalising those in need.
"We will reduce the welfare bill in a way that is fair and lasting and helps people move forward," Burnham said in his first speech since returning to Westminster after winning a parliamentary seat.
Burnham, who is currently the only declared candidate to take over from Starmer and could be made prime minister as soon as next month, added that one way to reduce the welfare bill was by repairing the public housing stock.