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• Andy Burnham says Labour will keep the triple lock on state pensions until the next general election.
• Some economic advisers have reportedly urged him to rethink the policy, warning it could cost £15.5 billion by 2030.
• Burnham also backed electoral reform, defended his growth strategy and hinted at a broader definition of public control for essential services.

Andy Burnham's triple lock pledge will remain in place until the next general election, with the Labour leader-in-waiting ruling out any immediate plans to scrap one of the party's key commitments to pensioners despite growing pressure from some economists and advisers.

Responding to questions during an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit, Burnham said Labour would honour its manifesto promise to retain the state pension triple lock, which guarantees annual increases based on whichever is highest: inflation, average earnings or 2.5 per cent.