‘If voters aren’t better off by the next election, we’re screwed’: Labour insiders voice fears over budget
Some say party risks ‘looking twee’ by focusing on small fixes amid growing nervousness that budget lacks ambitionIn the days since Labour’s annual conference, party insiders have been sharing a word cloud produced by the pollsters More in Common, which…
Bank governor urges John Healey to use budget to allay market fears amid bond turmoil
Andrew Bailey tells chancellor ‘whatever the stance of fiscal policy, it must be credible and be seen as such by financial markets’The Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, has urged the chancellor, John Healey, to agree a budget that reassures…
Beware rightwing economic myths such as ‘maxing out the nation’s credit card’ | Letters
Readers respond to an article in which Larry Elliott argues that Andy Burnham must challenge neoliberal nostrumsLarry Elliott’s column on the rightwing economic myths constraining Andy Burnham’s government should be required reading before John Healey’s…
The Guardian view on Britain’s new chancellor: his purpose must be to protect living standards | Editorial
John Healey has offered a vision, but an energy shock will mean households and businesses need to be offered help in the budgetIn his first speech to Labour party conference as chancellor, John Healey offered prudence with a purpose in a speech…
Reality pays a visit to the Labour party conference, but it’s the ‘Hope Again’ that kills you
Most MPs are clinging to this year’s Beckettian slogan, but the chancellor brought his own brand of despairIt could be just me, but I’m beginning to find that all this “hope” stuff is getting me down. Everywhere you go at the Labour party conference, you…
Burnham has a battle plan, with social care the flagship. Risks lie ahead, but Labour now travels in hope | Polly Toynbee
Here in Liverpool, the PM’s ambition for the party – and the country – is evident. There should be no complacency, but also no fearHis ambition is big enough to see from space as he promises the “biggest change to Britain in 40 years”. Andy Burnham…
‘Society needs children’: Alan Johnson calls for better-paid UK paternity leave
Exclusive: Former Labour minister says working-class fathers are being shortchanged and budget should correct itParliament was in recess when Tony Blair called Alan Johnson up to his flat above No 11. The former prime minister was relaxed, padding around…