Andy Burnham says there is a "case" for bringing utility companies back into public ownership to tackle the cost of living crisis, saying privatising the firms "is what got us into the mess that we're in right now".

The Labour mayor of Greater Manchester criticised the Tory leadership contenders for "promising more Thatcherism" if they get the keys to Number 10. He told Sky News's Kay Burley: "When we sold off the water, sold off the electricity, sold off the gas, sold the council homes, sold off the buses, sold that the trains, we found ourselves in a position where ordinary people can't afford those basics anymore." Instead, he said "change is needed in the way that we provide those essential services", and there is "certainly a case for more public control, more public ownership of essential utilities". The comments contradict the official position of the Labour Party leadership, with Sir Keir Starmer ruling out nationalisation of energy firms last year. Johnson to tour UK in last week as PM - Politics latest Mr Burnham said he supported his current boss and praised Sir Keir's cost of living policy of freezing energy bills as "a good start”. It w