Andy Burnham’s speech presented him both as a new prime minister and as a grieving son, as he dealt with his father Roy’s final weeks of life and the grief of his death.
Roy Burnham’s funeral is scheduled to take place within a few days of the speech. Reflections on his life and influence formed the personal core of a highly political address that ranged across Labour’s immediate priorities and longer-term plans.
A political pitch for the next three years
Burnham’s political pitch covered what he hopes to achieve before a general election, alongside a broader prospectus for the country to put forward when polling day comes within the next three years.
His immediate proposals included housing reform in England, greater public control of the water industry and greater public control of the electricity grid. His social-care plan aims to begin a debate about the shape of a new system so that the argument is settled before a future general election campaign.
Labour figures are reported to be enthusiastic that the party now has a leader whose sense of purpose they see as clear and easily articulated.
Pension and constitutional proposals
Labour figures say that, if Labour wins the next election, the annual earnings link in the state pension triple lock would be dropped from April 2030. They say the pension would be increased further if needed to keep it above 30% of the full-time average wage.
The triple lock currently raises the state pension annually by whichever is highest among inflation, average wage growth and 2.5%.
Burnham also said the next Labour manifesto would include a change to the Westminster voting system. He said it would also include, after a future review, the idea of a closer relationship with the European Union.
Dividing lines and questions over delivery
The pitch created numerous dividing lines with Labour’s political opponents, which are reported to be likely to dominate the debate ahead. Burnham’s cabinet and many Labour members are reported to have welcomed the battle of ideas established by the prime minister.
The article questioned whether Burnham’s government can deliver its programme and persuade voters that its vision is coherent, appealing and affordable. A persistently stagnant economy and a persistently turbulent international situation were identified as backdrops that could make the plans difficult to turn into reality.
Related: Andy Burnham says proposed social care reforms would need new taxes after election
Source: BBC News
