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Andy Burnham’s change in tack on fiscal rules and bond markets is understandable
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Andy Burnham’s change in tack on fiscal rules and bond markets is understandable

The Guardian · May 18, 2026, 4:58 PM

Key takeaways

  • Andy Burnham said last year that Britain was too ‘in hock’ to the bond markets.
  • Andy Burnham has always faced a narrow path to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister: a tricky byelection, a leadership contest that is yet to be declared, and a far from constructive bond market backdrop.
  • In making his pitch, assuaging City investors in particular has led the Greater Manchester mayor to dance on a pin.

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

Andy Burnham said last year that Britain was too ‘in hock’ to the bond markets. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PAView image in fullscreen Andy Burnham said last year that Britain was too ‘in hock’ to the bond markets. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PAEconomic policy Analysis Andy Burnham’s change in tack on fiscal rules and bond markets is understandable Richard Partington Senior economics correspondent Bookies’ favourite to replace Keir Starmer tones down stance on government borrowing to assuage City investors

Andy Burnham has always faced a narrow path to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister: a tricky byelection, a leadership contest that is yet to be declared, and a far from constructive bond market backdrop.

In making his pitch, assuaging City investors in particular has led the Greater Manchester mayor to dance on a pin.

Article preview — originally published by The Guardian. Full story at the source.
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