Andy Burnham's first week as Prime Minister has offered little reason for optimism, according to Ameer Kotecha, CEO of the Centre for Government Reform and former senior diplomat.
Standing outside 10 Downing Street on Monday, Burnham said he wanted his premiership to be “a circuit breaker for Britain, bringing forward the biggest changes in the last 40 years”. His first big change was cutting VAT from electricity bills, saving a typical household just £45 a year. Reform UK's Zia Yusuf noted that amounts to buying a pack of celery each week.
Two sentiments pervading Britain
Kotecha argues that two sentiments dominate the country: first, that nothing works; second, that the state is on the side of those who free ride rather than those who work and do the right thing. He points to high taxes on work, rising disability benefit claims, and unvetted asylum seekers in four-star hotels as evidence.
“With the government intent on doling out ever more rights without responsibilities, people are coming to the conclusion that they might as well not bother,” Kotecha writes. “And that attitude will prove fatal for the economy.”
Hollow symbolism?
Many of Burnham's early announcements appear little more than hollow symbolism, Kotecha says. The new PM is setting up a ‘No 10 North’ and says he won’t wear a suit and tie unless in Parliament – part of his ‘Manchesterism’ philosophy of devolution. However, Kotecha warns the buck will stop with Burnham, not regional mayors, when it comes to the economy.
Some appointments are promising: making John Healey Chancellor is a safe bet for defence spending. Keeping Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary lets her continue work, though Labour backbenchers may block tough action on small boats. But the choice of Miatta Fahnbulleh as Energy Secretary, who called North Sea drilling “irresponsible and short-sighted”, suggests Burnham won't seize North Sea oil opportunities.
Cabinet concerns
Kotecha describes the new PM's top team as “perhaps the least impressive of any in history”, with only a handful having experience outside Labour staffer, council worker, or charity/trade union roles. The departure of Lord Timpson, former CEO of Timpson key cutting, from his ministerial role likely in frustration, further reduces business representation.
The public is weary of reshuffles that have produced 10 health secretaries and seven prime ministers in a decade, Kotecha adds. “They just want a government that can get things done.”
What Burnham must do
To succeed, Kotecha argues, Burnham must cut the bloated state for economic growth, ditch Net Zero policies that drive high electricity prices, and stop foreign courts dictating immigration policy. “He might have an iota more charisma than Keir Starmer but that is not enough to fix this country,” Kotecha concludes. “He needs to get serious and get to work – with or without a tie.”
