Great Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham swears the delegates at the Labor Party Conference on a new path for Great Britain in his almost hour-long speech. He wants to approach politics and the economy in a new way; the country needs to think bigger politically. “‘Business as usual’ is no longer enough,” said Burnham. "Britain has been on the wrong path for too long."
Burnham's speech felt like a turning point for the Labor Party. "Hope again" was the title of the party conference - i.e.: "Hope again." The Burnham effect has given Labor new motivation: the party is on the rise, leading the polls ahead of Reform UK and the Conservatives. This turnaround is closely linked to Burnham's person, and you can feel that at the party conference: The four-day calendar of events was full - but all other speeches, discussions and announcements at the party conference were solely determined by the new Prime Minister. Contentious disputes were rather rare.
Care reform is his most important project
Growth, stability, hope - these are the keywords that define the Labor conference. According to political scientist Tony Travers, the fact that Burnham continues to do well with his party and the British is due to the right priorities: He started with small changes such as tax relief for pubs and is now tackling larger reforms. This also resonates with the party members: they have become more optimistic. “There is a real feeling that things are going better for Labour,” said Travers.
Now Burnham has to show that he can get things done. In his speech, he presents comprehensive reforms - for the housing sector, social systems and also energy and water supply. One of his most important projects is a new care system that works similarly to the National Health Service - funded by taxpayers' money and accessible to all. Currently, most Brits have to pay for their own care; there is no care insurance. For many this means financial ruin.
Financial question remains open
The cost of living has also been a big issue for Burnham since he took office. He promises relief. As of Thursday, sales tax on electricity will be eliminated for the time being. Parts of the electricity network and water supply should go back into public ownership in order to stabilize prices, said Burnham in his speech. “Energy, water, housing – everything back under public control,” Burnham calls out to Labor members.
Burnham knows that what he is planning will take several years and cost money. At the end of the month, Burnham's government must also present its budget - a first acid test. Because Burnham will hardly be able to finance his reforms if he doesn't make cuts elsewhere. He is ruling out tax increases for the time being. The new social system will be accompanied by a restructuring of pension payments from 2030 - some critics fear pension cuts. “I accept that I will pay a political price for these projects,” explains Burnham. “But someone has to rip the band-aid off quickly.”
Emotions arrive
According to current opinion polls by the organization More in Common, the Prime Minister cuts a good figure, especially in terms of personal approval ratings. People think he is competent and approachable - and that's how he shows himself in his party conference speech. At one point Burnham stops, has to swallow several times and tears well up in his eyes. Because he always talks about his recently deceased father and how he shaped him and his politics. This hits a nerve with his party colleagues.
For many years, the British have struggled with politicians who, in their view, do not understand people and the reality of their lives. Burnham portrays himself as one of them - and that's well received. Many left the hall with tears in their eyes. His speech was great, he was honest and genuine, says one.
Andy Burnham appears to have exceeded the high expectations of his party members. But announcing reforms is probably not enough to convince the rest of the country - he now has to deliver quickly.
