Burnham pledges to review NICs increase and cut business rates for pubs

Labour candidate in Makerfield byelection says party has got it wrong on small businesses'

Andy Burnham has said he would consider cutting some employers' national insurance contributions, and proposed a cut to business rates for pubs and small, family-run enterprises, in his first significant policy initiative during the Makerfield byelection.

Burnham's plans amount to a notable criticism of Keir Starmer's policies in these areas. In his announcement on business rates, the Greater Manchester mayor said: Labour have got it wrong on small businesses."