Will Andy Burnham ‘go big’ in expanding the role of the state?

A s he swept towards victory in the Makerfield byelection , Andy Burnham told voters he wanted to see “the essentials of life being run primarily for the public interest, not for the private interests”. Citing the Bee Network of buses and trams across Manchester city region, brought together on his watch, Burnham repeatedly highlighted the need for more “public control” over the necessities of life. Water, energy, transport and housing are at the top of his list. Now PM-in-waiting, he is expected to say more about his economic priorities in a speech on Monday. Burnham’s Manchester address will garner intense interest, from his more leftwing backers to the owners of vast chunks of the British economy. They will be trying to gauge whether he is really serious about expanding the role of the state – all the way through to outright nationalisation – and willing to stare down the vested interests standing in the way. His choice of chancellor is being viewed as a critical test of his radicalism on this agenda. Advocates of an economic reset, including nationalisation, see Ed Miliband as the only plausible candidate who would be prepared to countenance the steps needed – including facing down intense industry lobbying. …