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Main Character of Thursday, 23 July 2026

The answer wasAndy Burnham

Why Andy Burnham was in the news

Andy Burnham is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, having recently taken office. He leads the Labour Party and has moved swiftly to announce a series of economic policies in his opening days in government.

In late July 2026, Burnham made headlines across multiple fronts. On 21 July, he announced a cut to VAT on household electricity, set to take effect in October and saving homes around £45 annually. At his first cabinet meeting, he instructed ministers to prioritise tackling living costs. On 23 July, he announced a 20 per cent reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues. However, his early days have also faced scrutiny; a former ally of his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer questioned whether the VAT cut was properly funded, and similar questions were raised about the business rates announcement.

Burnham's government has also grappled with controversial issues. On 22 July, he announced a review of an early prisoner release scheme following criticism from Lissie Harper, widow of PC Andrew Harper, after reports that two of the officers' killers could be freed early. That same day, he rebuked Health Secretary Wes Streeting over comments about prisoner releases caught on camera. Meanwhile, Burnham stated there would be no immediate change to the frozen income tax allowance, despite previously expressing voter frustration on the matter.

On the appointments front, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is set to join Burnham's government as a minister, taking up a seat in the House of Lords. Additionally, Burnham has signalled plans to work with social media creators and influencers to communicate his government's message.

The clues

  1. 1Announced a VAT cut on household electricity bills on his first full day as prime minister in July 2026.
  2. 2Chaired his first cabinet meeting with a directive to tackle rising living costs across the nation.
  3. 3Plans to collaborate with social media influencers and content creators to amplify government messaging.
  4. 4Faced criticism from PC Harper's widow over a proposed early prisoner release scheme under review.
  5. 5Declined to immediately change the frozen income tax personal allowance despite voter frustration.
  6. 6Slashed business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs, and music venues in his third day in office.
  7. 7Former rival Darren Jones, once Sir Keir Starmer's chief aide, challenged the funding of his VAT policy.
  8. 8Appointed Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to a ministerial role requiring him to leave Holyrood.
  9. 9Rebuked cabinet ministers after an off-camera joke about prisoner releases caused public controversy.
  10. 10Known for off-the-cuff remarks that generate headlines and occasional political difficulties.
  11. 11Pursued high-risk early policy announcements to navigate anticipated economic pressures ahead.
  12. 12Recruited several former critics of the previous prime minister into senior government positions.
  13. 13Promoted a wealth tax on Britain's richest citizens as part of fiscal discussions.
  14. 14Led efforts to balance business support with public spending restraint in opening weeks.
  15. 15Governed as prime minister following a transition from regional political influence.
  16. 16Established a reputation for direct intervention in sensitive policy disputes within his administration.
  17. 17Rose through Labour Party ranks amid various shadow cabinet and ministerial roles over decades.
  18. 18Served as health secretary under a previous Labour administration before higher office.
  19. 19Initial: A., rose from north-west England regional politics to the highest executive office by July 2026.
  20. 20A.B. — the Labour prime minister who cut VAT on electricity and business rates for hospitality in July 2026.

Sources

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