Last week, Badenoch wrote to the Prime Minister urging him to rule out tax increases or additional borrowing as a means of financing social‑care reform.
A Conservative spokesperson said Andrew would attend in Badenoch’s stead, adding that he is prepared to collaborate with Labour on social‑care improvements—provided they do not depend on tax hikes or borrowing.
“Social care is essential for safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society,” he stated.
“Any reform must be supported by a clear, credible, fully costed plan that improves care for the public while delivering value for taxpayers.”
“Andy Burnham and Labour cannot depend on vague reform promises lacking a concrete implementation plan and specifics on outcomes.”
Sir Ed announced on X that he would join the meeting via Zoom, explaining that he was visiting family in France and has a disabled son requiring round‑the‑clock care.
“I am hopeful that this call could mark the first step toward repairing our broken care system,” he added.
He has previously said he is willing to do “whatever I can to achieve a genuine, lasting consensus on social care,” while noting that there have already been 22 unsuccessful reform attempts since 1997.
“For this 23rd attempt to succeed, we must adopt a different approach,” he said.
“My party has long advocated for cross‑party discussions on care, believing that only such collaboration can produce a workable solution.”
“For carers and for our nation, nothing is more important, so I look forward to meeting the Prime Minister tomorrow to launch these talks.”
He added that his priorities include placing family carers at the centre of any proposals and ensuring that nobody loses their home or life savings due to catastrophic care costs.
Complaining about the snub, Reform leader Nigel Farage said Burnham had “chosen to ignore the party that leads over 300 national opinion polls and represents thousands of councillors and millions of Britons across the country,” rather than setting politics aside.
He accused the Prime Minister of “conspiring behind closed doors with the failed political establishment.”
Green leader Zack Polanski, asked on Newsnight whether he should have been invited, replied: “That’s a matter for the Prime Minister. Actually, I think it’s positive that he’s inviting opposition leaders at all.”
“I would like to attend, of course I would, and I would encourage the Prime Minister to extend that invitation… The point, however, is not about politicians’ personal egos; the point is that adult social care is a ticking time bomb.”
Adult social care provides state support to help people live more independently, including assistance in the home.
Unlike the NHS, social care is not free at the point of use. In England and Northern Ireland, individuals with savings exceeding £23,250 are not eligible for council‑funded assistance with care costs.
In Wales and Scotland, different eligibility rules apply.
