Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a fresh tax cut to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from October 1.
“Westminster has not been working for people for too long, with families struggling with the cost of living,” he said.
“That needs to change. I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister.
“We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope.”
On Monday evening, he made sweeping changes to the Cabinet, starting with the appointment of John Healey as the new Chancellor to succeed Rachel Reeves.
A swathe of major figures from Sir Keir Starmer’s era joined Ms Reeves in leaving Government, including ex-deputy prime minister David Lammy, former attorney general Lord Hermer and former housing secretary Steve Reed.
Their replacements in senior Government roles were announced throughout Monday evening and will join Mr Burnham around the Downing Street Cabinet Room table on Tuesday.
More follows on this breaking news story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent
