Andy Burnham’s promise to cut VAT from electricity bills came alongside the news that government borrowing in June amounted to £16 billion - nearly bang on target.

Andy Burnham has been making some big spending promises but the financial markets remain on alert for any signs of how much more he will borrow.

Andy Burnham has unveiled a sweetener of 5 per cent off electricity bills from this October, insisting it can give families 'breathing room'.