Labour insiders warn the budget may lack ambition as voters see the government as only “trying”
Labour insiders fear the 28 October budget may lack ambition after a More in Common word cloud tied Andy Burnham to “trying”, a theme at Chequers on Monday and a special advisers’ meeting on Thursday. His conference pitch on social care, the pensions triple lock, the EU and electoral reform was popular, but MPs fear post-election promises will not be enough. Downing Street’s “everyday fixes”, including car-parking app rules and unbranded school uniforms, drew 85 million views last week ahead of John Healey’s budget; advisers warn Labour risks “looking twee” without structural change on public control and tax.
Inflation and soaring borrowing costs from the Iran war are thought to have blown a £12bn hole in the public finances, so a low-key budget is expected on fiscal devolution, energy bills and small businesses, with tax rises, spending cuts and more revenue at next year’s spending review. One MP called it “a Reeves budget with better vibes”, warning the party is in serious trouble if voters are not better off by the next election. Treasury figures want a kickstart amid friction with No 10; ministers expect Tory and Reform UK welfare attacks and will cite the Milburn and Timms reviews afterwards. Polling showed a quarter rise in support for the social care policy, including adjusting the triple lock, after Burnham explained it. Downing Street expects a bumpy fortnight then a 10-year plan; on Monday Burnham will update MPs.
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