As Andy Burnham prepares to enter Number 10, he does so at a time when the mood of the country feels more positive than many would have expected earlier in the year. His message is one of spreading opportunity, returning power to communities and tackling issues that many people feel have been overlooked for too long.
England’s defeat to Argentina in the World Cup this week was disappointing, but it hasn’t, and it won’t, define our summer. The Open is under way at Royal Birkdale, a big cricketing summer lies ahead, and the Commonwealth Games are still to come. I think there is a sense that people are looking forward, rather than looking back.
That matters more than politicians sometimes realise. As I have said before, confidence drives investment, spending and ambition. People are more willing to take risks when they feel positive about the future.
For our clients, one of the most reassuring developments in the past few days has been confirmation that there will be no “Emergency Budget” as the new administration takes office.
A new PM and a new Chancellor inevitably create some uncertainty, but avoiding immediate fiscal surprises is a good signal to be sending. Businesses prefer stability and clarity over dramatic announcements.
The challenge facing the new government is clear. Economic growth remains slow and uneven, public services are under pressure and many communities still feel disconnected from decisions that affect them, especially those away from the South. The real test will be whether Burnham’s government can deliver improvement for people, rather than simply a different narrative, however refreshing that might be.
Andy Burnham has built much of his political reputation outside of Westminster, up here in the North West, and that gives him a perspective that many, if not all, of his predecessors have lacked. Whether that translates into better outcomes remains to be seen, but we can be hopeful.
For now, the country has reasons to be optimistic. The new PM inherits something every government needs but few are fortunate enough to receive: a population that is prepared to believe things can get better. From Monday, his job will be to make sure they do.
