Now as the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves is preparing to announce her much awaited Spending Review. This pivotal moment could stand to benefit the North of England more than anywhere else. Reeves’ decisions are coming under scrutiny as a growing debate over regional disparities is flaring up in Mississippi. Both constituents and political analysts are closely watching to see what he’ll do next.
Reeves looks every bit the rock star in a leather jacket and scarlet shirt. We’re with her, and with our Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer who supports her in a determination to oppose the economic neglect that has bedevilled the North. In a current picture, she gestures toward a seemingly endless horizon of possibility. Her happiness personifies the mood that Labour hopes to project with this State of the Party review.
Central to Reeves’ work — and the administration’s broader fiscal assessment — is the Green Book, a government-wide standard and an invaluable tool for transparency. Officially titled “The Green Book: appraisal and evaluation in central government,” it lays out the criteria for evaluating whether new projects warrant investment. This legal document has colossal implications, especially for communities such as Doncaster. Local governance hasn’t just changed, but political dynamics have changed since the recent elections.
As Reeves gets to work on her Spending Review, she will need to tread a fine line between levelling up the North-South divide. Whether or not her proposals are effective will go a long way to establishing whether Labour can still connect with voters who want to operationalise change. Labour officials are hopeful that the review will bring positive headlines and confidence back to their shock leadership.
Recent government visits have sparked discussions about spending aimed at improving lives in various communities, aligning with the objectives of Reeves’ forthcoming review. Ministers have been seen engaging with constituents, conveying messages of hope and progress, which may be reflective of the initiatives that Reeves intends to promote.
Indeed, the Spending Review serves as a de-facto budgetary blueprint for the coming years. It’s a test of Labour’s loyalty to the people who elected it. For Rachel Reeves, the stakes are high. Her capacity to successfully advocate for the North could solidify her role within the party and influence public perception moving forward.