The Labour government is actively seeking to enable bolder policy decisions by encouraging ministers to proceed even when facing potential legal challenges. A key move in this direction involves the new attorney general, Ellie Reeves, who has reportedly rolled back rules implemented under the previous leadership that some ministers felt led to excessive caution and policy delays.
Louise Haigh, deputy to Prime Minister Burnham, has committed to reducing "needless bureaucracy" across government. As an illustration of the perceived inefficiencies, she cited the example of three public consultations held between 2019 and 2023 concerning whether to mandate microchipping for cats. "If we can't microchip cats without getting tied up in red tape, it should come as no surprise the public is losing faith that governments can get things done," Haigh stated.
As Burnham's administration prepares for the autumn, there is an acknowledgment among those close to him that more substantial policies are needed to match his stated ambitions. Early discussions on his commitment to "public control" of essential services indicate a potentially radical shift in direction. Haigh is spearheading efforts to reverse what is described as "over-privatisation" in key sectors including housing, water, energy, and transport.
Further details on these policy initiatives may be revealed at the upcoming Labour conference. However, the government is likely to defer any announcements regarding potential changes to the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's reforms to the legal immigration system until after the conference, given the issue's divisive nature among Labour MPs. Ultimately, a significant driver for the change in leadership was the belief among many Labour parliamentarians that maintaining the status quo risked losing the next general election. For them, a sustained improvement in Labour's poll ratings represents the most critical measure of success.