Andy Burnham has reached his first 100 days as Prime Minister, but for many in Newcastle, little has changed from one government to the next. Burnham arrived promising to transform the way Britain works, restore hope and end years of political division, but the North East public remains sceptical about his progress.
Everyday fixes and big promises
So far, Burnham has delivered what Downing Street calls 'everyday fixes', covering electricity bills, bus fares, subscription traps and anti-social behaviour on public transport. The first of these came into effect at the start of the month with the removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills.
Another commitment in the first 100 days is Burnham's campaign to end rough sleeping, with a goal for everyone sleeping rough in England to be offered a route off the streets or appropriate support by Christmas. These are big promises, and ChronicleLive went to the streets of Newcastle to see if the first 100 days had been a start for the big changes that were promised, in the eyes of the public.
Public reaction in Newcastle
For many, this was not the case. Student Katie Doliver found the first 100 days 'unremarkable', saying: "To me nothing has really happened for the better."
David Clothier from Fenham echoed this sentiment: "He hasn't done a lot really. He's stopped the VAT on electricity which is next to nothing." Many see him as no better than the previous Prime Minister, showing a lack of the radical change that was promised.
Matt Hall, from West Denton, said: "He's no better than Starmer. He's done something but in the grand scheme it's nothing." Stuart Bremner, from Newcastle, added: "The difference between the last government and this government is the difference between Pepsi cola and Coke cola."
Priorities for the future
David acknowledges that Burnham is limited but would like to see more dedication, and like many in Newcastle, more immediate change. He said: "He's restricted isn't he? The money, that's what it's all about. But I would like to see him focus more on National health and more with homelessness, especially in Newcastle."
For Matt, social care is where Burnham needs to focus: "I'd like him to get the welfare bill down and make more sensible decisions. It's just crazy." Valerie Ellison, from Newcastle, wants more focus on some of Burnham's promises: "I'd like him to focus more on the homeless people, employment opportunities and get better deals for pensioners."
For Stuart, Burnham's start on homelessness has been a good thing, though not strong enough. He said: "The only good thing he's really done for me is focus on the homelessness, which is a good thing. We need somebody who's got a bit more fire in his belly." For Matt, Burnham needs to go back to the party's roots and speak to more people on the ground: "Labour is about the working people but some of the things they're coming up with are crazy ideas."
For Valerie, Burnham has a lot to prove between now and the next general election: "For one he wasn't voted in by us, he just arrived and I think it should have been another vote. He needs to prove himself."
Many of the new changes Burnham is working on are due to come out in January next year, so the North East public will be watching critically to see if he can live up to his promises. With his first budget on Wednesday, many will be looking to see what else Burnham suggests to help the everyday person as he continues with his unusually visible public profile.
