Andy Burnham’s first big test is a detailed outline on economic policy
The first big test for Andy Burnham lies ahead as he outlines his economic agenda today. This will definitely set the tone if not the direction of Burnham’s premiership.
If Burnham is serious about turning around Labour’s struggles then he’s going to have to make difficult decisions, especially when it comes to the economy. Simply proffering vague promises won’t cut it. That is exactly what got Sir Keir Starmer and his Government into trouble.
One of the key issues that Burnham is expected to hone in on is devolution of power and money away from Whitehall. This newspaper has long advocated for power and pounds to be allocated to local leaders, who are best placed to make decisions for the communities that they represent.
In fairness, Starmer’s Government has continued the general direction of devolving power to the regions but devolution needs to be more wide ranging and it needs to happen at much quicker pace. There is still a sense of reluctance to give up control. Detail and the timescale for devolution are both needed from Burnham.
If the former Mayor for Greater Manchester is going to stick to Labour’s fiscal rules then he must identify the difficult decisions he will take because ultimately something will have to give. Will a future Burnham government cut back on welfare spending? Is it going to raise taxes to create more fiscal headroom? Is defence going to continue to be underfunded?
Despite his popularity in the Labour party and across the North West, it is hard to see how Burnham can get away with having his cake and eating it.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed suggested Starmer’s likely successor would introduce “changes in emphasis”. The problem is that the electorate is asking for more than just a change in emphasis.