‘Security, security, security’
The PM has bet on being a secure leader in tough times. He must now level with the people about the hole we're in and offer a clear route out.
Ben Glover
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‘Starmerism isn’t Blairism – this week’s NHS overhaul shows class politics is key’
For a government accused of lacking a clear purpose, here was one clearly laid out: improving working-class communities, particularly in coastal areas like Blackpool.
‘To beat Reform, Labour must focus on places that are struggling most’
"The hard truths delivered at ballot boxes in Runcorn and across the country should not be ignored", Ben Glover argues.
‘Voters sceptical of Labour’s domestic agenda ahead of local elections’
The old political rules – from a time before insurgent populism, economic stagnation and global fragility – no longer hold. The government must act in accordance with today’s rules, not those of a bygone era.
‘The Budget ends austerity. But without reform, voters will ask where cash went’
She did it. Despite apparently being boxed into a corner, the Chancellor has managed to find a staggering £40bn of tax rises. This will pay for a significant boost to public services. We can debate whether this means the end of austerity; I…
Public sector pay: ‘A decisive first step on the road to reform’
The Chancellor’s acceptance of the pay review bodies’ recommendations, including a 22% pay rise for junior doctors, triggered one hell of a fight this week. The gloves are well and truly off, with the Shadow Chancellor accusing the…
‘For clues about Starmerism, look no further than Barking and Dagenham’
Those trying to read the runes of a Labour government may be drawn to manifestos, TV debates and long-form interviews.
‘Liz Kendall’s DWP shakeup is bold – but should be even bolder’
This week Demos hosted Liz Kendall in her first major speech as Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary. Speaking as part of our Future Public Services Taskforce, she made the case for renewed focus on youth employment. The lines on getting…
‘Labour’s public service reform plans lack clarity – and risk derailment as a result’
The crisis in public services is visible to every British citizen. Waiting lists, crumbling buildings, exhausted staff. All too often, it feels as if public services can only get worse. Thankfully, after years of disregard in Westminster…
Autumn statement 2023 unpacked: Where key policies leave Labour now
Jeremy Hunt has set out a raft of new measures in his autumn statement today, in a bid to start framing key new narratives on Tory-Labour divides in the run-up to the next election. We've asked some of our regular columnists (including new…
‘Reeves needs a BoE independence-style moment like Brown. Here’s one big idea’
If Labour wins the next election, the challenge it will face is clear. It must deliver a "decade of national renewal", as Starmer put it in his conference speech last month, with little additional spending. This bind – the need for change…
‘The Tories may well slash inheritance tax yet – but Labour has nothing to fear’
Inheritance tax: the great survivor of Conservative conference. Following months of briefings, speculation and a Telegraph campaign backed by more than 50 Tory MPs, many had expected it to be on the chopping block. In the end, the Prime…