We need a battle of ideas, not just a smooth transition between Starmerism and Burnhamism

There is no denying that Andy did significantly well at Thursday’s by election in Makerfield in which he got over 50% of the vote, putting to bed the idea that Reform UK is the real challenger party in UK politics which they aren’t. They are a one trick pony that people are starting to see through and I’m sure this will be giving Nigel Farage real cause for concern which could see him reconsider his position before the 2029 general election.

Underpinning Andy’s campaign was a message of hope not just to the people of Makerfield but to the wider electorate across the country, who feel that politics has failed or not delivered for them. Credit to Andy and his team for a robust campaign strategy, well thought out communications and a message discipline that clearly resonated with a lot of people on the doorstep, as well as being one that people can get behind.

READ MORE: Scottish Labour frontbencher warns Starmer is ‘toast’ as PM urged to step aside following Burnham victory

Contrast that with the current leadership of the UK Labour Party, numerous policy U turns, a lacklustre approach to dealing with the issues facing the country, people not feeling that the government is delivering for them or on their side.

But as Andy has said on numerous occasions, it doesn’t have to be like this.

Let’s be honest, any government will not get everything right, and whist Keir is sitting at Chequers listening to Oasis Don’t look back in anger and being ponderous about his future, it might be more relevant for him to listen the Clash’s “Should I stay, or should I go”.

But, Keir has got a legacy he can be proud of. He transformed the party from being in opposition for 14 years to becoming an electable machine, that within itself is no easy task. History has shown us that, just ask Lord Kinnock who did the heavy lifting back in the 80’s and 90’s to make way for the New Labour victory in 1997.

The government has significantly brought down NHS waiting lists and times with a relentless focus on patient delivery and outcomes. The government recognised the critical role of housebuilding in the economy and created a policy platform that supported the development sector, and albeit through pressure, lifted the two-child cap policy, all things that Keir can be proud of.

READ MORE: Why Andy Burnham would not be a silver bullet to take away the troubles of Scottish Labour

I’ve met Keir many times and I like Keir, he wants to do the right thing, but for me and I think for a lot of people, what you have with Keir is someone who is methodical and meticulous when it comes to detail and understanding the situation.

In my opinion, this is what he demonstrated when it came to the US / Iran conflict, and he did the right thing in our national interest and if Andy is to take over, he might want to think about having Keir as his Foreign Secretary.

I don’t agree with Andy’s assertion that over the last 40 years there hasn’t been any real social transformation in the UK and that politics hasn’t delivered for areas like Makerfield. You just have to look at what was achieved in Tony Blair’s first term in office.

A case in point is the introduction of the minimum wage in which my friend and former Makerfield MP Sir Ian McCartney oversaw which came into effect in 1999.

This policy helped support people across the UK in low-income jobs earn a decent living and really did make work pay. It’s real tangible and progressive policies like this that people will get behind as they will see a government on their side and delivering for them.

For me, “Manchesterism” isn’t reinventing the wheel. One could argue that it’s New Labour part 2. A re-brand that talks about tackling the structural issues facing the UK, working with the private sector and other key partners for delivery and shared prosperity and this is something that Andy has shown can be achieved as he has done in Manchester.

The question I’ve been asking myself is could this be the turning point for British politics? Potentially yes.

Could this be the catalyst for the change that is needed for a party in government that has become so unpopular in just under two years? Again, potentially yes, but I’m not comfortable with a coronation or a shift handover from Starmerism to Burnhamism without a leadership contest.

Now, again, being honest, it might suit Andy and his team for a smooth transition, but I want to see a battle of ideas, I want a platform to test bed policy ideas on how the next leader of the UK Labour Party and potentially the next UK prime minister will look to create growth for the economy, how will they deliver on energy security, how will they bolster UK defence spending.

What is their plan to tackle the real structural issues facing the country? Soundbites won’t cut it, vague promises won’t even touch the sidelines I want to know who will be running the backroom operation. What’s their expertise and background, do they understand how government works, and the intricate processes involved in the machinery of government? Or could it be a case of more of the same but with someone who is clearly a great communicator ?Andy will inherit the same challenges that Keir has right now and he will have to hit the ground running if he wants to make real change.

Barrie Cunning is the founder of Scotland 2050 conference and the managing director of Pentland Communications.