‘People want New Labour-style spending now. Here’s why it’s just not possible’
Here’s one for you: New Labour’s landslide victory in 1997 took place nearer in time to shillings and…
Gordon Brown
‘They don’t always get what they wish for: A history of how Labour elects its leaders – and when reform goes wrong’
We are now in the season before conference, when ideas are floated to test support before delegates gather.…
‘Early years development is vital. Politicians must speak up for babies’
SPONSORED POST The United Kingdom is facing an early years crisis. If it’s not addressed, we will feel…
‘Securonomics, Heevesianism… why you won’t find Labour’s vision in buzzwords’
Thirty years ago, Gordon Brown was being ridiculed for his reference to “Post Neo-Classical Endogenous Growth Theory” –…
‘I disagreed with Frank Field, but he was no Tory and I loved him all the same’
This piece was originally published on Philip Collins’ Substack and can be found here. I think of Frank…
‘I worked for Thatcher and Brown. Here’s what Reeves’ growth plan is missing’
I worked for Gordon Brown as Chancellor and Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister and, for me, two vital…
‘Voters are far wearier than in 1997. Keir Starmer is a man for our times’
It’s so obvious that it barely needs saying, and yet it’s truly fascinating. On just about every metric,…
Assisted dying: ‘Keir is right the UK needs a vote. The law’s a mess MPs can’t ignore’
Keir Starmer’s new commitment to holding a vote on assisted dying should be welcomed. It is now undeniable…
‘Labour’s desire to avoid tax-and-spend presents many constraints’
In his last budget before the general election, chancellor Jeremy Hunt proved the rule that this grandstand “fiscal…
Budget 2024: ‘Labour must hold firm in opposing rumoured inheritance tax cut’
The spring budget is fast approaching, and tax cuts are running around the chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s mind. After…
