Burnham’s 2026 Budget: PMQs, a Free‑Movement Showdown and a ‘You Be the Chancellor’ Game

Andy Burnham was thrust into a PMQs session before Chancellor John Healey could unveil the first budget of his government, setting a brisk pace for the day’s fiscal drama.

Amid the questions, Michael Badenoch seized the moment to launch a pointed attack on the free‑movement policy, turning what could have been a routine exchange into a brief but sharp showdown.

Meanwhile, the Treasury rolled out a new interactive feature – “You be the Chancellor” – inviting citizens to try their hand at balancing the books, a playful nod to the seriousness of the numbers.

Financial‑advice guru Martin Lewis, who met Healey that morning, remarked on the meeting, underscoring the public interest surrounding the chancellor’s plans as the budget finally rolled out.