Clarity with purpose: Burnham’s first week highlights what we’ve missed
Take a moment: it’s astonishing to consider that Andy Burnham is the UK’s fifth Prime Minister since I set Distinctive up in 2022.
When entering office last Monday (20 July), it was the second time a new PM had entered Downing Street while I watched events on holiday.
It’s a strange experience, as I wasn’t heavily involved in conversations, but followed as much of the commentary as I could from Georgia. It felt feverish. Everyone had a take. Some were insightful. Others were simply daft given that he’s been in office for a week.
“Burnham shouldn’t be parochial; he must focus on global affairs”, said titles who called his predecessor ‘never here Keir’ while he worked to secure trade deals and brought national leaders together on Ukraine.
“He’s in big energy’s pocket”, came a response to suggestions that the government may press ahead with previously approved licences to drill for oil in the North Sea. No such decision has happened yet.
“Where’s all this new money coming from?” screamed headlines in response to modest measures on energy bills, bus fares and business rate relief for pubs and clubs. The total cost of these measures is estimated to be around £1.8bn. Some commentators seem to place this on a par with Liz Truss’ unfunded commitments which crashed the economy. It’s risible stuff and shows parts of the media to be deeply unserious and disconnected from challenges facing places over recent decades.
And then there’s a host of calls for Burnham to support [insert my specific single item of interest here].
Signal, noise, once again…
Make the case clearly, and follow through
Beyond the noise, and by any serious measure, Burnham’s team had a good first week. He set out a clear view of what’s hampering the UK, while being hopeful and optimistic about its prospects.
“We can be the party that puts hope in every heart,” his rallying call to Labour Party members stated. Note the contrast to the glibness surrounding the Starmer government’s early speeches, just as the economy started to show signs of recovery.
Then he promised breathing room on cost of living, and followed through with announcements that people will feel quickly.
It was brilliant to see him make his first visit to the West of England, with mayor Helen Godwin and our client First Bus to announce the nationwide capping of bus fares. As a company that prioritises public transport and active travel, this is good news for us and many other people who use buses every day.
Coming to Bath was also a smart move that spoke directly to people who rightly say Number 10 North needs to look to serve the whole country.
The measures announced aren’t life-changing, and ministers would be wise not to overplay them. But they’re tangible steps that put money back in people’s pockets and support places.
And, when you see the post, or hear the PM talk of putting hope in every heart, how different does it feel?
We’ve spent so long being told that the country is screwed that it feels like a breath of fresh air to hear a confident response, supported with action. Confidence is infectious. Growth is harder if people don’t feel it.
Time to unleash devolution
I know from our work across the country that Burnham’s assessment of the challenges facing us is spot on. The country is too centralised, and too many places are cut off. Westminster doesn’t work for them, Burnham says.
This is unarguable and it’s not doing London down to say so. Previous governments recognised it, but didn’t do enough to address it.
It’s taken a decade leading Greater Manchester to build the experience and support needed to press hard for the change that Burnham says he wants.
It means greater powers for local leaders, more funding and responsibility for mayors. It also means putting collaboration between local leaders and with businesses at the heart of the agenda, as we’ve said many times before. And it also means giving local communities access to the opportunities that local growth creates.
These are good things, but the team at Number 10 needs to head off opposition from the usual quarters, including London media.
Time is short, with a general election less than three years away – at most. With Angela Rayner back in charge of MHCLG, and much-needed continuity of ministers for housing and transport, there’s a huge opportunity to press ahead without delay.
We may not get a better chance to see real change that places are crying out for.
Make change more than a slogan
Two years ago, Labour campaigned on a slogan – change – that they never clearly explained or acted on consistently once elected.
One week in for Prime Minister number five and we’re starting to see what change could look and feel like.
It’s already clear that some people won’t like it. Challenges lie ahead, and criticism will come at the first misstep.
But after years of spin and hopelessness, I’m up for a bit of hope. From the responses I’ve seen last week, I don’t think I’m alone.
The images in the header are of Andy Brunham’s visit to First Bus’ depot in Bath, via Number 10’s Flickr feed.
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