The country is under new leadership (well since the last time I posted) – yes it has been a while – and, as someone who supports Labour and that Labour Way, the hope has returned.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has taken the reins and leading the Labour government towards what it was elected on, proper change.

We will have to wait and see what that means for the finances in the budget on Wednesday 28th October, delivered by the now Chancellor John Healey.

Already one hell of a statement – the former Defence Secretary who resigned because of a lack of funding, is now the Chancellor…..

First of all, I would like to pay tribute and send my thoughts and prays to Andy Burnhams family following the death of his father, Roy.

Politics can be a cruel thing sometimes. Times like that should remind us that we are all human.

Burnham has set out his clear approach to governance, and it is a stark contrast to what Starmer went for. He’s delivering the manifesto, the proper change this country needs.

He’s key areas for change are:

• Cost of Living
• Housing and Homelessness
• Devolution and Constitutional Reform
• Infrastructure and Public Control.

From what I’ve seen it’s very promising and bringing hope back to the country.

I am in particularly impressed by the move towards more devolution. We know Number 10 North has been established in Manchester. I like the fact the Prime Minister understands that not all parts of the country are the same. For instance he’s said that No. 10 North is working with Cornwall Council on devolution, whether or not they have to have a mayor will be a decision for the Cornish. Previously the government wanted regions to have mayors if they wanted devolution.

Burnham understands that to get the best out of this country is to understand the needs of the different parts. Our country has been centralised for too long. What’s right for London, doesn’t work in Cornwall.

As we know conflicts across the world continue. The need for more investment in Defence is a MUST.

But Burnham understands that it’s not as simple as cutting welfare to pay for Defence.

We do need to sort out Welfare, but we need to do it in a way that is sustainable for the people on it, the communities they live in and the entire country.

Yes you can simply cut how much people are being paid, but that doesn’t help anyone. What we need to do is what Burnham has said we need to do. We need to do it in “The Labour Way”. Get people off Welfare by getting them into work. Invest in education, supporting young people and providing the mental health support that so many communities across the country need.

You can’t simply cut your way out of a problem. It’s about long term solutions to these problems.

Governments have been too short-term, time for change is now. And it’s happening…..