Andy Burnham calls for ‘Levelling Up’ property tax

Andy Burnham appeared at a fringe event held by progressive think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research this afternoon, in which he called for a ‘Levelling Up’ property tax based on existing market values.

Those in lower value homes would pay less and households in higher value homes would contribute more.

Former shadow chancellor and prominent voice on the party’s left John McDonnell appeared to back the idea.

Labour’s so-called “King of the North” Andy Burnham served as MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017 when he stood down to run for the mayoralty of Greater Manchester.

Burnham has not denied future party leadership ambitions, after two failed bids in 2010 and 2015, but has said he would only consider running after the next general election.