How different is Andy Burnham’s government?

Andy Burnham's government is being presented as a fresh departure, a perception largely credited to his adept political maneuvering and superior communication abilities compared to his predecessor, Keir Starmer.

However, the article probes the substance of this perceived difference, questioning whether Burnham's administration is truly distinct from Starmer's vision. It highlights similarities in key policy areas, suggesting that Burnham is echoing previous Labour platforms rather than forging entirely new paths.

For instance, Rachel Reeves' Mais Lecture in March outlined a "roadmap for future fiscal devolution" to grant regional leaders control over a share of national taxes, a plan mirrored by Burnham's recent devolution policy. Similarly, Starmer's past emphasis on further education as a "defining cause" and his rhetoric on smashing the "glass ceiling" in technical education have been echoed by Burnham.

The article also points to social care policy, where Burnham's remarks about local authorities being "pushed to the brink" and private providers making "excessive profits" closely resemble statements made by Steve Reed, who was in charge of local government under Starmer.

Even the issue of prisoner early release, a challenge inherited from the Conservatives, sees Burnham adopting an approach similar to Starmer's, albeit with an emphasis on public communication. The piece suggests that while Burnham may handle these intractable problems differently, the underlying challenges and policy echoes from the Starmer era remain significant.