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Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, faces a crucial opportunity to reshape the UK economy as he prepares to take on a more significant role within the Labour Party. Jonathan Portes, an economist and public policy professor, argues that Burnham must not repeat the cautious approach of Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, who have focused primarily on stabilising the economy rather than driving transformative change.
Portes highlights that the economic landscape Burnham will inherit is not a crisis but rather a legacy of missed opportunities. He notes that the UK economy has struggled with weak productivity growth, declining living standards, and a lack of decentralisation over the past 15 years. While Labour's efforts to restore fiscal responsibility are commendable, the party was elected with a mandate to do more than just avoid economic pitfalls; it was tasked with fundamentally transforming the economy.
Key areas for potential growth include devolution, tax reform, and immigration policy. Portes urges Burnham to embrace these opportunities, suggesting that a more ambitious and proactive economic strategy could address longstanding issues and improve public services. He warns that merely maintaining the status quo will not suffice, and that bold action is necessary to change the trajectory of the UK economy.
As Burnham prepares for his next steps, the call for a shift from caution to ambition resonates strongly, particularly in the context of Labour's broader economic vision. The future of the party and its ability to deliver meaningful change may depend on Burnham's willingness to take risks and pursue a more dynamic economic agenda.
Source: www.theguardian.com – https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/16/andy-burnham-keir-starmer-labour-economy-devolution-tax-eu-immigration