I was reassured that he refrained from simply bemoaning the failings of those "14 years" (a broken record Starmer and Reeves couldn't help spinning), but instead appeared to present a fresh approach, one of unity and positivity.
My first impressions included "this sounds expensive," so I look forward to hearing the details of the plan in due course, but for now, even as a non-Labour voter, this sounds like the beginnings of a plan I could at least hope brings about positive change. Provided he doesn't put my taxes up, though!
Here are the highlights:
- Biggest transfer of power from Whitehall to regions in modern times.
- Create a "No. 10 North" in Manchester as a second centre of government.
- Deliver "good growth in every postcode" through a 10-year renewal plan.
- Replace top-down government with locally driven economic growth.
- Reject trickle-down economics in favour of investment-led development.
- Use "Manchesterism" to combine public and private investment.
- Invest heavily in housing, transport, infrastructure and regeneration.
- The biggest council housebuilding programme since the post-war era.
- Reindustrialise Britain and prioritise buying British through procurement.
- Give technical and vocational education parity with university routes.
- Reform utilities and essential services to lower costs and improve outcomes.
- Reform business rates to support high streets and pubs.
- Tackle regional inequality and raise living standards across the country.
- Give mayors and councils greater powers over housing, skills and welfare.
- Reduce reliance on party whips and give MPs more independence.
- Promote a more collaborative and less tribal style of politics.
- Said that mainstream politicians share blame for declining public trust.
- Stick to Labour's fiscal rules and maintain budget discipline
- Emphasise growth, reform and devolution rather than large tax rises.
What are your thoughts? Harry Mills