Iceland Foods executive chairman Richard Walker has left his role as the government’s cost of living tsar, following the departure of Keir Starmer from Downing Street.
Walker was appointed as Labour’s cost of living champion by Starmer in February. As part of the voluntary position, he worked closely with No 10 to shape policy on how to help people cope with the cost of living crisis.
Andy Burnham succeeded Starmer as prime minister on Monday morning. He is expected to appoint his cabinet over the coming week, however Walker confirmed his role advising the government had come to an end.
“With Keir leaving Downing Street today, my role as his Cost of Living Champion also expires,” Walker confirmed in a post to LinkedIn.
Walker, who once sought to stand as an MP for the Conservative party before switching allegiances to Labour, had enjoyed a favourable relationship with senior members of Starmer’s government, including hosting Chancellor Rachel Reeves at an Iceland store in Fulham in 2024 to discuss the cost of living crisis.
He was appointed a Labour peer by Starmer in January 2026 and will continue to sit in the House of Lords.
Walker has led public campaigns calling for the easing of restrictions on the sale of baby formula and for environmental causes, as well as sought to raise awareness about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on families by climbing Mount Everest.
Congratulating Burnham on his appointment, Walker said he would remain a “critical friend who will keep them honest”.
“My cost of living action plan has generated interest in the right places – not least with our new incoming PM and his team,” he said.
“He knows that the affordability crisis is now voters’ number one concern, and that the autumn will be tough.
“Andy doesn’t have time for resets and delays – action is the priority and boldness will pay dividends. Teams from across government departments have been commissioned to act on my suggestions… I’ll be eagerly watching to see how they do.”
No comments yet