So, we’re having Manchesterism.

Even by the standards of modern British politics, this week has been quite a spectacle. Andy Burnham, the prime minister-in-waiting, hopped on the train to Westminster, got sworn in, got a selfie with all the Labour MPs (many of whom were loyal to the outgoing Sir Keir Starmer until the day before), who desperately wrestled their way to the front of the photo, kissing the feet in return for a job.

Mr Burnham is here to save the day. The only problem is that it is not entirely clear how he plans to do it other than by force of personality and, of course, Manchesterism. Manchesterism, insofar as we can gather, involves exploiting the strength of regionalism and extracting more power from Westminster. That is perfectly sensible, and indeed should be expanded elsewhere in Britain, including to Scotland. It also seems to involve more government intervention in key industries and markets; that is a far shakier case although, when confined to monopolies which have been created by poorly executed privatisation, the damage should be limited.

Far woollier and more worrying is Manchesterism’s rhetorical tendency. Advocating the end of neo-liberalism, taken literally, means replacing capitalism with a new economic system. No democratic country in the world has done it. Mr Burnham has also talked of “business-friendly socialism”; the very definition of an oxymoron. No other European country, struggling with low growth, has successfully turned to socialism as a way out of it.

I know what Scotland really needs - more MSPs at Holyrood

The government has to pick a lane - high tax or high growth

A Sturgeon inquiry won’t help us in the long........

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