As nominations open in the leadership race today – with Burnham unopposed – the leader in waiting has produced a Times article and a note to the PLP to set out more details of how he would govern. Here they are:
- Cabinet will be expected to “prioritise PLP engagement”
- The Whips office will now be more like an “HR department”
- Laws won’t be presented as a “fait accompli” by ministers and officials
- Government will be “broad church” and “all appointments will be made on merit”
- Use defence investment to revive British industry, create jobs, and reduce foreign dependency
- Strengthen relationships with Europe, advance UK-EU negotiations on security and migration, and break down defence trade barriers. Partner with France and Germany.
- Increase transparency and public accountability on how defence money is spent.
- Link defence policy to economic regeneration and social cohesion across all parts of the UK.
Much of this has been promised before. Trade minister Chris Bryant said the note on whipping was “refreshing” and had a proposal of his own: “No minister should ever turn down a meeting with another MP, because I think that’s the way you cultivate a really good team working together… even MPs from other parties.” Would stop them legislating – no bad thing…
