UK Labour conference tests Andy Burnham’s popularity against economic reality

By Al Jazeera English

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Britain’s governing Labour Party is holding its annual conference in Liverpool, with the cost of living emerging as the main concern for delegates and voters. Prime Minister Andy Burnham remains personally popular, with Labour edging ahead in the polls, but the party faces a difficult economic reality. Polling shows about 70 percent of people remain dissatisfied with the way the government is running the country, while many believe Britain is moving in the wrong direction. High inflation, partly driven by rising fuel prices, is making Burnham’s pledge to ease household financial pressures harder to deliver. The government is also promising free social care at the point of need and increased defence spending, while ruling out increases to the main taxes. That leaves questions over how Labour will fund its plans, with possible spending cuts elsewhere presenting a major test for Burnham’s popularity. Al Jazeera’s Milena Veselinovic reports from Liverpool, England. Subscribe to our chan

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