Andy Burnham’s expected chief-of-staff previously took aim at the winter fuel allowance
James Purnell wanted to cut winter fuel allowance in 2011 Newsnight interview
Andy Burnham’s expected top adviser was branded “cruel” after it emerged that he called for the abolition of “little freebies” for pensioners such as winter fuel payments and bus passes. James Purnell, a former Labour Cabinet minister who is poised to become Mr Burnham’s chief of staff, said in 2011 that most OAP benefits should simply be included in the state pension.
Campaigners called for an apology and demanded reassurances that these views would not be reflected in the policies of a government led by Mr Burnham, who looks set to enter 10 Downing Street within weeks.
Silver Voices director Dennis Reed said: “Andy Burnham needs to be careful not to replace one set of anti-pensioner voices, with different faces but the same discriminatory views.
“Calling the essential winter fuel payments ‘freebies’ is arrogant, entitled and downright cruel. I hope Mr Purnell can reflect from his position of wealth and comfort and apologise to poor pensioners for these ill-judged comments.”
Andy Burnham looks set to enter 10 Downing Street within weeks (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer was forced into a humiliating U-turn over plans to scrap winter fuel payments, worth up to £300, for most pensioners.
Speaking on Newsnight in 2011, Mr Purnell said: “What we now need to do is to protect people against the things they’re really scared about: losing their home, losing their job, being ill for a long time in old age. And if there are other benefits which people don’t value as much I would put them further down the list of priorities.
“I’m not saying necessarily get rid of child benefit, I’m saying let’s order all the things that we care about and let’s see the ones that are most important.”
Asked what would be at the “bottom” that people “care least about”, he added: “I think winter fuel allowances, free bus passes.”
Pressed that he would not say that if he were a pensioner in fuel poverty, Mr Purnell added: “I talk to lots of people in their 60s, for example, about free bus passes, who said I should get this when I’m 70 or 80.
“I think it would be better to have one pension rather than all these little freebies… the winter fuel allowance and all of those things.”
The Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans to axe winter fuel payments of up to £300 for all but the poorest pensioners shortly after taking power.
But a fierce backlash eventually forced them to climb down and reinstate the allowance for OAPs with an annual income of less than £35,000.
Mr Burnham has been contacted for comment.
