Thames Water should be nationalised, says Andy Burnham

Key points

• Exclusive: Labour’s Makerfield byelection candidate advocates public ownership of water companies as he prepares for potential leadership bid Thames Water should be nationalised, Andy Burnham has said, revealing public ownership of water companies would “absolutely be an option” under his potential leadership of the Labour party.
• Burnham, Labour’s candidate in the Makerfield byelection, has previously called for “greater public control” over the companies.
• In an interview with the Guardian, he has confirmed this could mean nationalisation.