Andy Burnham must have a laser-like focus on making people's lives better if he becomes Prime Minister, according to Record View. His first priority should be getting a grip on the cost-of-living crisis that continues to bite hard.
Burnham's Path to Power
Andy Burnham's by-election win is almost certainly his first step towards replacing Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Starmer may stumble on for a few days or even weeks, but the UK is set for its second Labour prime minister since the general election. Starmer has been a steady presence on the international stage, but domestic blunders have cost him, and he is on the way out.
Challenges Ahead
Burnham is a talented politician who, as mayor of Greater Manchester, has made a positive difference to people's lives. However, leading a country is a different matter, and he will have a tough job on his hands if he gets the top job he craves. Record readers will want reassurance that he is up to the task.
Key Priorities
Cost-of-Living Crisis
His first priority has to be getting a grip on the cost-of-living crisis. Bringing down energy prices should be just the first stage of a wider plan to put more money into people's pockets. Suggestions that he might raise the tax-free personal allowance for income tax would be a welcome step in the right direction.
Defence Spending
He also must recognise that the world is a dangerous place, and the UK must address a gap in defence spending. A sound strategy to protect the country is essential, and he must be bold in raising extra money for the armed forces.
Welfare Reform
Another top-order issue is tackling the rising social security bill. Welfare spending protects the vulnerable and boosts people's incomes – stances no Labour government should go against. However, a generation of young people are being given welfare benefits instead of the support they need to get a job. A compassionate and effective set of welfare reforms is needed to get the UK working again.
Conclusion
Burnham has the drive to be PM, and much of what he says makes sense. But he must have a laser-like focus on making people's lives better; otherwise, he will go the same way as Starmer.
Sea the Light
Politicians love to talk about a just transition away from North Sea oil and gas. But there has been precious little evidence of any 'justice' as the oil capital of Aberdeen is left to rot. Voters in the city made clear to the SNP at Thursday's by-election how they feel about that. The Nationalists were comprehensively thrashed in a seat they won just two years ago. The Tories could scarcely believe the scale of their victory, given it is more than 50 years since they last won a Westminster by-election north of the Border. All parties – including the Tories – must share the blame for the failure to prepare for the inevitable job losses from the North Sea energy sector. We cannot see a repeat of the 1980s and 1990s when former pit villages were effectively abandoned when the Tory government closed down an entire industry. Voters in Aberdeen made their voices heard. Holyrood and Westminster must ensure they are listened to.
