Burnham expected to outline economic priorities in Monday speech
6 reported
Andy Burnham, the incoming prime minister, is expected to deliver a speech on Monday in Manchester outlining his economic priorities, according to a report. The speech will be closely watched by supporters and business owners to gauge whether Burnham intends to expand the role of the state, including through nationalisation. Burnham has previously stated he wants "the essentials of life being run primarily for the public interest, not for the private interests," citing the Bee Network of buses and trams in Manchester as an example. His choice of chancellor is seen as a critical test of his commitment to this agenda, with Ed Miliband viewed as a plausible candidate who would support nationalisation. The future of Thames Water is considered an early test case, as ministers decide whether the company should enter special administration or be taken over by bondholders. The report notes that advocates of nationalisation argue ministers could mandate that Thames Water becomes a public corporation.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham won the Makerfield byelection and is now PM-in-waiting.
He is expected to give a speech on Monday in Manchester about his economic priorities.
Burnham has cited water, energy, transport, and housing as areas needing more "public control."
Ed Miliband is seen as a plausible chancellor candidate who would support nationalisation.
The future of Thames Water is seen as an early test case for Burnham's approach.
Common Wealth thinktank director Mat Lawrence suggests Burnham focus on quick wins like franchising powers for metro mayors.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, incoming prime minister
Ed Miliband, potential chancellor candidate
Wes Streeting, former health secretary
Neal Lawson, director of Compass thinktank
Mat Lawrence, director of Common Wealth thinktank
Cat Hobbs, founder of We Own It campaign
Alex Williams, co-author of The Productive State paper
Arthur Downing, LSE researcher
Sources: The Guardian
