Andy Burnham is viewed as more trustworthy on economic matters by voters than Nigel Farage and Sir Keir Starmer, according to a recent poll. The survey, conducted by BMG Research for a national newspaper, found Burnham holds a net trust score of minus 8 percent on the economy. This places him 16 points ahead of Farage and 23 points ahead of Starmer, although he remains one point behind Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
As Burnham prepares to deliver a speech on economic policy, the poll results bolster his position as the leading contender to become the next prime minister and a credible challenger to Reform UK. The findings come amid data indicating that Burnham’s presence in the political arena is likely to provide a notable boost in public support for his party.
The poll also highlights voter expectations surrounding Burnham’s previous campaign commitments. A significant majority—64 percent—favor raising the personal allowance threshold, currently set at £12,570, which determines when workers begin paying income tax. Just 11 percent oppose this proposal. Burnham acknowledged these demands during his successful Makerfield by-election campaign and has asked his team to investigate the feasibility of such a tax cut, despite its potential cost running into billions of pounds.
In addition, the survey shows a majority of voters (51 percent) support the full nationalization of utilities like water and energy, while 16 percent are opposed. Burnham has so far advocated for increased public control of utility companies, particularly targeting issues such as sewage management in England, without explicitly committing to complete nationalization. This stance may place him under pressure to adopt more comprehensive public ownership policies.
Support for other policies proposed by Burnham appears more divided. His idea to replace council tax and stamp duty with a land value tax is backed by 30 percent of respondents, with 21 percent expressing opposition. Similarly, reinstating the northern leg of the HS2 rail project garners support from 29 percent of voters but is opposed by 30 percent.
The polling also sheds light on public attitudes toward a possible general election following Starmer’s resignation. One survey shows 48 percent of participants favor a national vote once the new prime minister is in office, while 35 percent oppose it. Another poll conducted in late June records only 37 percent in favor of an immediate election, with 43 percent preferring that the new prime minister focus on governing.
Furthermore, there is growing public backing—reported in other polls—for legislation that would trigger a general election whenever the governing party changes its leader during a parliamentary term. Home Office Minister Mike Tapp has voiced support for introducing such a law.
The BMG Research poll surveyed 1,508 adults across Great Britain on June 23 and 24, with data collection occurring shortly after Starmer’s announcement to step down. BMG is a member of the British Polling Council.