Parece que houve mais momentos de cair o queixo em nossa vida política e econômica nacional nos últimos 15 anos do que em qualquer outra década e meio. muito. Em eventos separados, duas pessoas, para quem eu tenho respeito, disseram ao público (uma sendo uma multidão no centro!) Que o prefeito de West Midlands, Andy Street, havia tocado um Blinder ao rolar atrás da oferta de liderança de Liz Truss. Ele estava com entusiasmo apoiando Boris até a última respiração política do velho cachorro. Provavelmente o candidato mais próximo da política de Sr. Street, mas uma chamada estranha, dado que o ex -secretário de Relações Exteriores não teve chance de vitória. crescimento. ”
The global financial crash, the Brexit referendum result, the pandemic (“you must stay home”) and the Russian invasion of Ukraine to name a few.
But two smaller moments made my face fall almost as much. At separate events two people, for whom I have respect, told audiences (one being a Downtown crowd!) that West Midlands Mayor Andy Street had played a blinder in rolling in behind Liz Truss’s leadership bid.
As you may remember, his support came late in the day. He was enthusiastically backing Boris until the old dog’s very last political breath.
He then came out for Jeremy Hunt. Probably the candidate closest to Mr Street’s politics, but an odd call given the former Foreign Secretary had no chance of victory.
Later, he laid out his ‘asks’ of the final two candidates, concluding his open letter:
“We need a Prime Minister who will restore people’s faith in politics and deliver on the promise of levelling up….who will give us the tools required to create sustainable prosperity and growth.”
Então, em 1 ST August, ele optou por Liz Truss, citando seu“ plano de crescimento ”e sendo“ valores orientados ”entre seus principais motivos.
Você pode dizer que foi uma jogada inteligente. Um prefeito que abraça o RealPolitik para o benefício de boas relações governamentais e acordos regionais, em vez de obcecar com a filosofia política. Nada então ou desde o chanceler, o que podemos chamar, afrouxamento fiscal. A retirada da taxa máxima de imposto de renda não apresenta frequentemente. É possível que eles possam receber uma recepção menos calorosa do que os atletas de 72 nações e territórios da Commonwealth há algumas semanas. e uma pá em mais uma oportunidade fotográfica, com promessas sobre o Midlands Rail Hub, GigaFactory ou algum outro projeto. Os candidatos Sr. Street disse:
Following Friday’s “fiscal event”, the Mayor tweeted his excitement at the announcement of “possible” Investment Zones and the “fast-tracking” of transport projects. Nothing then or since on the Chancellor’s, what we might call, fiscal loosening.
It’s worth noting that in most discussions about increasing growth in the region, the calls are usually for more powers, more housebuilding, more control over skills and training as well as research and development funding, better transport and the power to drive inward investment. Dropping the top rate of income tax doesn’t often feature.
The Conservative Party arrives en masse in Birmingham this weekend. It’s possible they might receive a less warm welcome than the athletes of 72 Commonwealth nations and territories a few weeks ago.
One senior figure in West Midlands Labour texted to predict a plaque will one day be displayed on the ICC: “This is the site where the Conservative Party held its last Conference.”
We might expect to see the Mayor standing with the PM or Chancellor sporting high vis jackets and a spade in yet another photo opportunity, with promises about the Midlands Rail Hub, Gigafactory or some other project.
No one will blame Mr Street for being business-like and securing Treasury funds for the West Midlands whilst the boss is in town.
But political leadership is about more than opportunism and deals.
In his open letter to the final two Conservative candidates Mr Street said:
“Quando florescemos, o Reino Unido floresce. E quando estamos presos nos cromos, a nação sofre.”
The UK economy – and therefore the regional economy – faces a crisis of confidence, much of the Government’s own making.
Se a confiança na vida pública e na confiança na economia deve ser restaurada, o Sr. Street deve contar a verdade ao poder e não apenas sorrir para as câmeras. Caso contrário, apoiar Liz para líder aparecerá longe de um golpe de mestre. Kevin Johnson
Pic: Liz Truss with Andy Street: @andy4wm
