Kier Starmer. Image © Rupert Rivett/Shutterstock
Public sector officials and politicians are recalibrating their plans in reaction to a general election that delivered unprecedented change.
Groups representing every tier of government had prepared for a Labour win but must now reckon with the scale of the changes across the country. They are now not only assessing how to deliver Labour’s manifesto pledges but also planning work with multiple changes of constituency control.
A new powerbase, the regional mayors who are mostly Labour politicians, emerged during the election counts.
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham claimed they could get more done than Westminster ministers or MPs and were ready to deliver.
He cited plans announced by Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner for an ending homelessness unit: “Greater Manchester stands ready to help Angela in any way we can. With the new government’s support, we could double our plan for new council homes.”
The Lib Dems, reflecting on winning 71 seats, simply described the results as “astonishing”.
“We’ve played our part in delivering a historic defeat to the Conservative Party. The Liberal Democrats are back as a major force in British politics. Our incredible, positive general election campaign has delivered our best result in the history of our party, electing local champions across the country who will fight for the fair deal you and your community deserve.”
The Conservatives were left to consider how they can rebuild a party that has now been decimated at both local and national level.
In an email to party members and the media, Conservative Party treasurer Alan Mabbutt said: “After four terms and 14 years, we set an ambitious goal to reach a fifth term — and we fell short. But our work isn’t over. It is now our duty to hold Keir Starmer to account, to be a voice for your values and your priorities, and to stop the worst excesses of a Labour government. Which is exactly what we’ll do.”
A critical factor in the problems the Conservatives had in government was being unable to turn policy ideas into local delivery – such as pledges to build more homes.
Dr Jonathan Carr-West of the LGIU said the new government needed to work better with local partners to deliver their objectives.
“We know that local government stands ready to work with the new UK government and we offer a reminder that national success has local foundations. Labour has set out clear missions for government but these can only be achieved in partnership with local democratic institutions.”
