Andy Burnham has entered Number 10 vowing to restore hope and reject Thatcherite economics, but Record View argues he must prove his substance as Prime Minister. The new Labour leader says “trickle down” economics—the idea that the poor benefit when the rich get richer—do not work. This appeals to traditional Labour voters and some SNP supporters who want a fairer society, but the question remains: if he rejects the past, what is the future?
Day One Promises and Past Record
On his first day, Burnham vowed to end rough sleeping. However, he made a similar promise as Manchester Mayor, and according to some sources, the problem is worsening. While a laudable aim, it was not the big idea many hoped for. The former Manchester Mayor won’t restore Labour fortunes with a T-shirt and a winning smile; substance and detailed policy are needed.
Scots will welcome moves to end the divisive excesses of Thatcherism, which famously declared there is no such thing as society—a view that found no support in Scotland. But a return to 1970s-style state-led nationalisation is not an option. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown found a way in the late 1990s to marry free market economics with a more just system, introducing policies like Working Tax Credits that rewarded work and lifted millions out of poverty.
Lack of a Big Idea
So far, Burnham has failed to come up with a “big idea” that could transform lives on a similar scale. Soothing words about restoring hope will not make a difference unless backed by fully costed policies. Sir Keir Starmer left Downing Street after failing to communicate a real vision; Burnham is desperate to avoid the same trap, but on day one there was precious little detail.
Rather than soundbites, Record View suggests it would have been better to hear rock-solid proposals to put money in people’s pockets: cutting energy bills, improving wage growth, tackling food inflation. These are the daily problems Labour needs to address. Changing how politics is done and communicating effectively, as Burnham does, is vital. But if Scots are to be convinced by “Burnhamism,” they will want to see a clear improvement in their lives.
The Task Ahead
That’s what the Labour Party was invented to do. Now it’s over to Andy Burnham. Record readers hope he has the big ideas needed to change Scotland and the UK—and pray he will succeed.
