Andy Burnham's vision of hope was intoxicating, delivered with a message that has been sorely lacking since even before Labour swept to power. Too many people are fed up with the status quo, so an air of positivity is desperately needed.
Hope in Short Supply Since 2008 Financial Crisis
But it's when hope meets reality that we'll really know if the PM-in-waiting's vision will translate into better lives for tens of millions of households. Hope has been in short supply, not only now but stretching back to at least the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, contributing to the current political mess.
The 'King of the North's' speech outlined bold aims for what Burnhamomics could bring, with 'growth in every postcode' at its core. Most people might be sceptical—who would blame them after years of political fatigue—as they worry about making ends meet.
Devolution as a Key Theme
While Mr Burnham held back on detailed policies, he revealed how he wants to change life for millions of hardworking people. The key is turning the system of government on its head by using devolution to hand far more control—politically and economically—to local authorities rather than being dictated to by Whitehall.
We got a taste of this with Mr Burnham's devolution of employment support, which he claimed could bring down the overall welfare bill—something the government will be judged on. Another crowd pleaser was his pledge for 'No10 North' to forge the biggest council house building programme since the post-war era.
Public Control of Utilities and High Street Regeneration
A third promise was 'greater public control' of utilities, from water and energy to transport, aiming to bring down household bills. This notably falls short of the public ownership of water, in particular, that campaigners have been demanding. Mr Burnham also vowed to regenerate high streets and use the public sector pound to back British business, addressing everyday concerns like potholes.
None of the items on Mr Burnham's wish list will be quick or easy to achieve. But economists spoken to say devolution, along with reforming everything from the tax system and planning to social care on a local level, could be enough to trigger the long-overdue economic growth that will finally improve living standards.
Time Constraints and the Need for Tangible Change
The worry is that much of this will take time—something governments don't have the luxury of when it comes to delivering change. Mr Burnham talked about a 10-year plan, much as Sir Keir Starmer did, and we all know what happened there.
We stand as a country at a crossroads, or should that be another one after so many false dawns. One route leads to a further fall in living standards between now and the next general election. The other is where hope translates into meaningful change for people in every part of the country. Should Mr Burnham become PM, much will be made of his first 100 days in power, which would take us to around the time of an autumn Budget. By then, all being well, we will finally know which route the country could be heading in the make-or-break years ahead.
