Mutual Ventures’ Post

This morning we published our analysis of the Labour and Tory manifestos for 2024, with a focus on some pressing issues for local government. You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/ec7DXxMd While the polling seems pretty conclusive on the outcome next week, for us the important thing to bear in mind is that the problems which led to the 2019 Conservative manifesto promising a generational push in housebuilding and a socio-economic rebalancing of the country remain - as do many of the challenges which led to a failure of delivery. If Labour win next week, their position in five years time will depend on implementing their promises - which are in many places, particularly housebuilding, very similar - with more success. In a nutshell: "The party manifestos of the Conservative and Labour parties reveal two approaches to government and the role of the local state, bound by a shared avoidance of the crucial issue of immediate capacity uplift. Restoring local capacity to deliver will be crucial to raising public satisfaction with government at all levels, and a proper assessment must be made before the next spending review. Similarly, the role of local contracting in social prosperity should be given more serious weight in the future of local economic development than it has been afforded in these manifestos. On issues of planning and development – so crucial to a future of sustainable prosperity – the Labour Party certainly offers a more comprehensive and convincing vision of delivery. Yet it cannot be ignored that Labour would be far from the first party to come into office with a plan to overhaul the system and develop new homes at pace. In fact, they would be the second party to do so since 2019, and the comparisons between the Conservative offer on housebuilding in that election and their current offer could prove instructive should Labour gain office, as the current polling strongly suggests. " #localgov

Policy Institute Curia to Launch New Levelling Up Commission Report. As Labour Leader Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner MP for Ashton launch their local election campaign in the Black Country by setting out their vision for levelling up, independent policy institute Curia is set to publish a new Levelling Up Commission report designed to help a new government implement plans from day one of taking office. Chaired by former Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, Paula Sherriff and supported by commissioners including Neil Carmichael, Hilary Spencer, Jeffrey Matsu, Lara Newman, Janet Budd, Anita Dockley, Lord Dennis Stevenson and George Coxon, the report will set out a series of implementable solutions to deliver impactful change in communities across the UK. To find out more about the commission contact [email protected]. Labour’s approach to levelling up has been framed as a critique of the Conservative Government’s handling of regional inequalities. Starmer and Rayner have not minced their words, accusing former Prime Minister Boris Johnson of merely paying lip service to the concept without backing it with substantial financial support. They particularly singled Rishi Sunak, alleging that his refusal to allocate adequate funds effectively as Chancellor “killed” the policy at its inception. This stance reflects Labour’s broader narrative of championing the interests of neglected regions and communities. Get involved with the conversation at Chamber UK by sharing and adding your comments: https://lnkd.in/efHNxcTr #policy #publicpolicy #levellingup #localgovernment #ukgovernment #government #politics #ukpolitics #labour #conservatives #keirstarmer #angelarayner #rishisunak #regeneration #skills #housing

In the headwinds of a looming election, Keir Starmer’s Labour has been vying to position itself as the “natural party of business”. The evidence this has paid off continues to mount. At October’s Labour Party Conference, a business forum for industry leaders reportedly has a 180-strong waiting list. And this year, there has been a series of business figures – from the entrepreneur Gareth Quarry to the former CBI president Paul Drechsler – who have publicly switched from the Conservatives to Labour. Under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, the party was notoriously queasy about the private sector. One industry insider recalls senior Labour officials’ preference for engaging with “small businesses” over “all businesses”, lest anyone think the party was in any way aligned with decidedly un-socialist multinationals. Starmer has worked hard to shed this image. One key weapon in what has been dubbed the “scrambled egg offensive” – aka schmoozing businesses over breakfast, as opposed to the New Labour penchant for networking over a prawn cocktail – is the shadow business and trade secretary, Jonathan Reynolds. As Labour Party Conference approaches, I spoke to Reynolds about Rishi Sunak's net zero U-turn, schmoozing businesses, transforming the economy, and why Labour needs to strike a balance between "hope and reassurance". https://lnkd.in/ewuX3Nww

As we enter an election year, with The Labour Party leading the polls, the New Statesman asked me & other policy experts: what are the key questions Labour needs answers for in 2024? I focussed on the Green Prosperity Plan, and what more is needed to bring the £28bn to life. In summary: - Headline policies are great: £28bn p/a, £8bn National Wealth Fund, Keir's commitment to making the UK the “green finance capital of the world” - But voters & business will need more - Details for the financial services sector will start to emerge in Tulip Siddiq's Financial Services Review - Linking investment to voter’s lives more strongly - how it will impact energy bills, health benefits, etc. is key electorally for Labour ✍ More from me and others here:

NEW: Latest @IpsosScotland polling numbers. Three things to know: 1. 15% of Scots say the UK Conservative government deserves to be re-elected; 68% say it doesn't 2. Is Labour ready to form the next UK government? By 45% to 29%, the Scottish public feel it is 3. Would a Labour Scottish Government at Holyrood do a better job than the SNP on things like running the economy? People aren't so sure Top poll by Emily Gray Rachel Ormston and team https://lnkd.in/e_xnnr8k

Keir Starmer has today announced the long-awaited re-shuffle of The Labour Party’s Shadow Cabinet, which will likely be in place for the next General Election and perhaps into the next Government. “Britain deserves a government that wakes up every morning determined to improve the lives of working people. That's what my Labour government, with the team appointed today, will do.” - Kier Starmer For the most part, Starmer has used this reshuffle to solidify his position by promoting loyalists such as Shabana Mahmood, Liz Kendall and Peter Kyle. Other major developments include: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities · A marked change in Angela Rayner’s brief and a changing emphasis in Labour’s position on planning, housing and devolution.   · Her historic focus on regional inequalities and stable social housing stock, suggests Labour is gearing up for policies that will encourage affordable housing development, especially within the North. Cabinet Office · Perhaps the most significant change has been to the Shadow Cabinet Office.  · Starmer filled it with experienced political operators Jonathan Ashworth and Pat McFadden who both worked as SpAds in No10 in the last Labour government.  Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Steve Reed has seen a somewhat lateral move from Shadowing the Department of Justice to Shadowing DEFRA.   · Seen as a competent and loyal minister, Reed’s move may suggest Labour are planning to attack the Conservative’s on their record of protecting the environment, such as with the on-going sewage crisis.

If you’re interested in the economic background behind political approaches, this is an excellent explanation of how the 2024 landscape differs from that of 1997, and what we can expect from politicians in response. Thank you Stuart Hudson.