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  "path": "/money/andy-burnham-waspi-women",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-10T20:24:46.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Bank holiday impacting millions of Britons prompts urgent update on £112.80 payments",
    "Barclays, NatWest and First Direct offer up to £200 cash bonuses: 'Free cash!'",
    "Rachel Reeves’s ISA overhaul descends into chaos as City warns millions could stop investing",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nAndy Burnham has signalled his support for a substantial compensation package for Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) women, in a move that could cost the Treasury more than £10.5billion.\n\nThe Greater Manchester Mayor raised the issue during a hustings hosted by the Manchester Evening News on Wednesday as he campaigns ahead of next week’s Makerfield by‑election.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe said he was uncomfortable with politicians who back campaign groups in opposition only to abandon them once in Government.\n\n“So I stick by campaigners that I support. I stuck by the Hillsborough families, I’ll stick by the Waspi women because they deserve some recompense for the unfairness,” he said.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHis comments put him at odds with Sir Keir Starmer’s Government, which has repeatedly ruled out compensation for the 3.5 million women affected by state pension age changes.\n\nThe intervention comes amid growing speculation about a possible leadership challenge.\n\nSpeaking to Downing Street special advisers earlier this week, Sir Keir reportedly told them: “I’m in it to win it,” adding: “If there is a contest I’m going to fight it.”\n\nHe has also warned ministers they must resign if they publicly back Mr Burnham or any other potential rival — a move that has fuelled talk of divisions within Government.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nOne minister suggested the Prime Minister’s tone was intended to project authority during a period of political uncertainty.\n\n“He has to say these things in a bloodcurdling way to give the impression he is carrying on, otherwise he loses his authority,” they said.\n\nSupporters of Mr Burnham are reportedly already discussing the timing of a potential leadership bid, with some arguing he cannot afford to wait.\n\nDowning Street is understood to expect him to defeat Reform UK in the Makerfield contest next Thursday and return to Parliament as a Labour MP.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Bank holiday impacting millions of Britons prompts urgent update on £112.80 payments\n  * Barclays, NatWest and First Direct offer up to £200 cash bonuses: 'Free cash!'\n  * Rachel Reeves’s ISA overhaul descends into chaos as City warns millions could stop investing\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nOne supporter said: “I don’t think he can wait long. It would be absurd if Keir is just digging in and the Government has no authority. That is not sustainable.”\n\nAnother added: “You’ve got to go for it. I can’t see a situation where you’re talking two or three months.”\n\nA Labour MP backing Mr Burnham offered a bleak assessment of the Prime Minister’s position.\n\n“I’m starting to feel sorry for Keir because he seems to be the only person in No10 who doesn’t realise it’s all over,” they said.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe MP urged Mr Burnham to act quickly if he intends to challenge.\n\n“Andy needs to bite the bullet as soon as he comes back — maybe have a day or two to make speeches as the new MP, but then get on with the challenge. There’s no time to hang around.”\n\nSome supporters are reportedly discussing assembling backing from more than 150 Labour MPs — almost double the 81 required to trigger a leadership contest.\n\nThe uncertainty surrounding Sir Keir’s leadership has also reportedly raised concerns among European officials.\n\nEU representatives are said to be considering whether to proceed with a Brussels summit scheduled for July 13 aimed at resetting relations with the UK.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Andy Burnham backs compensation for millions of pensioners in direct challenge to Keir Starmer"
}