Esther McVey has launched a scathing attack on Andy Burnham's devolution policy, calling it a 'Potemkin policy' that is a sham. She praises Tory Regional Mayors Ben Houchen and Paul Bristow for exposing the flaws in Burnham's approach.
Devolution Exposed as Sham
Ben Houchen, the Tees Valley Mayor, wanted to hand back extra money to locals in the form of tax cuts to stimulate the economy. However, Burnham reportedly told him that his form of devolution means you can't make your own decisions, only those Burnham agrees with. McVey sarcastically remarks, 'Some devolution!'
Paul Bristow, the Peterborough Mayor, highlighted that despite promises to keep more of your own money if successful, the small print makes clear that money will be taken from successful areas and handed to less successful ones. McVey compares this to the Prime Minister's preference for pork scratchings over scampi fries, calling his devolution policy as vacuous as he is.
Chancellor Criticised Over Supermarket Comments
McVey also criticises new Chancellor John Healey for saying he won't allow supermarkets to rip off customers with high prices. She argues supermarkets are the most competitive, efficiently run businesses in the UK, operating on tight margins. She questions if Healey knows this, and asks what he plans to do - introduce price caps leading to empty shelves? She asserts the only organisation overcharging the public is the Government with its 'eye-watering tax burden'.
Rayner's CV Discrepancy
Another Labour Minister faces scrutiny over their CV. Angela Rayner claims 14 years' service in local government as a home care worker, but other amounts suggest it was much less. McVey suggests the discrepancy arises because much of the time was spent working for Unison as a trade union branch secretary. She objects to taxpayers picking up the tab for union activity, stating union work should be paid from union subs.
Police Virtue-Signalling
McVey criticises West Midlands Police for encouraging non-Muslim officers to fast during Ramadan, calling it 'politically correct tripe'. She advises them to stop virtue-signalling and focus on protecting the public and catching criminals.
Spider-Man Box Office Success
In lighter news, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, broke opening day records with $168 million, making Tom Holland London's biggest box office and pop culture export to Hollywood since Michael Caine.
