The chat between Sam Freedman, Ayesha Hazarika and Anoosh Chakelian on local government funding was particularly key. The Tory attack lines are pushing the blame on Labour but it just doesn't wash. Piece on planning critical too - can Labour hold its nerve in power? open.spotify.com/episode/3W3xXC…

The latest episode from The Power Test was an interesting reflection ahead of the local elections. It's stark how bleak local government looks right now across the country and any future government is going to have to face up to the reality of it. open.spotify.com/episode/3W3xXC…

Local elections ARE interesting. At any age. We agree with you Ayesha Hazarika! Bins, potholes, what's happening in the neighbourhood. 'Welcome to the binfire episode of @thepowertest' as Sam Freedman and Anoosh Chakelian also get stuck in on local government. OUT NOW! pod.link/1685159956

Local elections, local democracy and importance of devolution for inclusive growth. Another great listen from the The Power Test

We’ve got lots to say - because rather than more of the same old cliched we’re focused on one very big question - how should Labour govern to really change Britain for the better? Come join us! thepowertest.co.uk

🚨LISTEN NOW!🚨 The New Statesman Britain Editor Anoosh Chakelian joins Sam Freedman and Ayesha Hazarika to talk about the upcoming local elections and the many important issues on the ballot which could impact a Labour government. Join us and listen! pod.link/1685159956

On this week's episode of The Power Test, we were joined by the excellent Anoosh Chakelian to talk about the upcoming local and mayoral elections, the possible results, and why they really matter. pod.link/1685159956

The Power Test Sam Freedman Ayesha Hazarika On this I can agree with Nick Macpherson - fiscal rules aren't worth the paper they're printed on (if they are!). What matters is the substance of policy - but I'd add, what's key is how the public finances interact with & shape the whole economy, not seen as a separate issue.

Missed the launch event for our latest report on the lessons from the Conservative's 2010 return to power?

You can watch the event back in full here >>
youtu.be/evCi157COiI

Here's report author Phil Tinline talking through the headline recommendations 📺👇

The local elections campaign is well underway. But a major question is whether Labour really has an answer to the fact that so much of local government is teetering on the brink of disaster. Join Anoosh Chakelian Sam Freedman and Ayesha Hazarika in this in-depth look. thepowertest.substack.com/p/a-local-binf…

It's here! 🚨OUT NOW FOR MEMBERS!🚨 The New Statesman Britain Editor Anoosh Chakelian joins Sam Freedman and Ayesha Hazarika to talk about the upcoming local elections and the many important issues on the ballot which could impact a Labour government. Join us and listen! thepowertest.substack.com/p/a-local-binf…

From Bins to Ballots 🗑️➡️🗳️ this week on The Power Test with Anoosh Chakelian - a look at how Labour approaches Bust Britain in power and the hallowing out of local govt

Love a bit of local election chat - and luckily the lovely The Power Test hosts Ayesha Hazarika and Sam Freedman indulged me! Have a listen!

x.com/ThePowerTest/s…

But also, in the context of US and EU shifts in policy, the UK needs to rapidly develop a green industrial strategy to ensure it reaps prosperity and jobs benefits of the net zero transition

I'd probably but transport investment higher up that list as a binding constraint on regional growth - see Stansbury, Balls and Turner paper on need to increase effective city size, and IPPR North's work

The podcast also discusses priorities for growth. Macpherson prioritises skills, then public investment in infrastructure, innovation, then competition.

3. For all the fuss about £28bn, it's not a huge amount. Macpherson describes it as 'chicken feed' compared to Lawson's giveaways

4. Reality is there's upward pressure on spending (demographics etc). But fiscal picture might be easier for Labour than anticipated.

1. Markets may already be pricing in anticipated stability under a Labour gov/Reeves as Chancellor

2. Need for focus on fiscal *substance* more than rules, which are frequently changed. Is there a credible plan for growth and revenue raising?