Latest editorial
MINISTERS are short-changing Manchester to the tune of £1 billion with plans to impose a new devolved mayoral system of local government, mayoral hopeful Andy Burnham said yesterday.
Tory “devo-Manc” plans would hand over responsibilities and financial governance of public services such as the NHS to an elected mayor.
Opponents point out that people in the regions affected haven’t been asked if they want such a change, while raising fears that the Tories’ long-term aim is to reduce central government funding to the regions and blame local Labour politicians for the resultant cuts to services.
Waiting for the grander vision to emerge
Can Andy Burnham’s programme deliver a productive economy – or merely a softer version of capitalism, asks VINCE MILLS
Durham Miners’ Association general secretary ALAN MARDGHUM speaks to Ben Chacko about the PM-in-waiting, the threat of Reform and the radical change of direction this country needs
Only an ambitious programme of state-led investment can restore growth and improve living standards, argues MICHAEL BURKE