In under two years in office Labour has lifted half a million children out of poverty, delivered the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, raised the minimum wage and the National Living Wage, overhauled renters’ rights, launched a state-owned energy developer, removed hereditary peers from the House of Lords, and is renationalising rail and steel, to name but a few achievements. There has been much to celebrate.
We have thus far failed as a party, however, to radically rebalance the economy in favour of the working class, to stand decisively against the genocide in Gaza, or to pursue a foreign policy that reflects the reality of the United States turning its back on the free world.
We lost the trust of many pensioners, farmers, and disabled people, and took for granted those who share our traditional Labour values. We lost the trust of Welsh voters, too, and paved the way for nationalist parties to hold four fifths of the Senedd.
The pace of change has been insufficient. Successful government requires relentless energy, optimism, and radicalism. These were not qualities present in Keir Starmer’s leadership.
I know many constituents will meet another change of Prime Minister with trepidation. The truth is that governing the country is as much about politics as it is about policy. They are mutually dependent. Managerial incrementalism has – self-evidently – not commanded the support required to sustain a government in office.
Andy Burnham has shown he possesses what Keir Starmer lacked, namely the ability to inspire hope, to create a compelling narrative, and to overcome political obstacles. By winning in Makerfield as convincingly as he did, Andy has offered a blueprint for the party to replicate up and down the country. In that, he has my support.
What remains to be seen is whether he can match this with a serious, root-and-branch programme of policy reform to tackle the problems facing the country, while rebuilding trust in a democratic Labour Party that respects dissenting voices.
Without competence in both politics and in policy, we will remain adrift.
My priority remains the same as on the day I was elected: to speak boldy for my constituents from the backbenches and do everything I can to ensure this Labour Government delivers for the people of Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr.