Starmer ally challenges Burnham's claim that scrapping digital ID funds VAT cut

Darren Jones, described by the BBC as Sir Keir Starmer's former right-hand man, has challenged the fiscal basis of Andy Burnham's planned VAT cut on household electricity bills. Jones told the Financial Times the digital ID scheme Burnham intends to scrap was never funded — so cancelling it releases no real money to redirect. The VAT cut is confirmed for October.