“I take the responsibility of giving defense seriously,” Burnham said.

Andy Burnham has said he will take responsibility for supporting the plan for defense investment if he becomes prime minister.

The plan, published on Tuesday, proposed £15bn of defense spending, but predicted £4.7bn of funding to fill the next prime minister.

Burnham told LBC that he had not seen all the details before publication but stressed that “there will be no compromise on the security of the country”.

The Makersfield MP has rejected attacks on his economic stance, saying he will not be “disorganized” over public finances.

He has faced criticism in the past. Arguing, External The UK “needs to get out of this and go to the bond markets”.

In his first media interview since announcing his bid to become prime minister, Burnham said finances in Greater Manchester had been “robust” during his time as mayor – and pointed to his previous experience working in the Treasury.

Labour’s 2024 election manifesto includes a pledge not to raise taxes on “workers”, including National Insurance, Income Tax and VAT.

Asked if he would stand by those promises, he said: “I will stand by the manifesto and the promises.

“So let me be clear about this, but there is some room for maneuver on taxes in that manifesto.”

He suggested that commercial rates could be increased on warehouses and major developments to reduce taxes on pubs and some street businesses.

On charity, Burnham said: “I’m not going to make unfiltered cuts to benefit levels that only make people who are struggling in the worst poverty.”

He said that he will try to reduce the welfare bill by changing the education system so that youths engaged in technical and vocational education can be better supported and job placement for 16-year-olds.

He said he would like to see mental health support for those in the workforce.

Burnham is expected to take over as prime minister on July 20 as the only candidate in the race to replace Sir Keir Starmer.

One of the biggest items on his tray will be the question of how to fund the UK’s rising defense spending.

Conservative leader Kimi Badenoch on Wednesday Accused Sir Keir asked if he would “leave this difficulty to his successor” and Burnham agree to fund the deficit.

Asked by Andrew Marr on LBC if he was aware of the funding gap before the defense investment plan was published, Burnham said: “I wasn’t involved in all the discussions, but to be fair, the government was an ongoing internal process.

“I see it as an issue that the country must face seriously.

“We are in a changing world, the nature of the risk is changing.

“What I can tell you tonight is that I take full responsibility for funding the Defense Investment Plan. If I am in a position to do so, I will take those responsibilities very seriously.”