You have to admire Andy Burnham. The new Prime Minister has pulled every trick out of the bag in his mission to reach Number 10. He has endured setback after setback; there was more than one occasion during which friends and critics alike thought he had blown it. But he is there, in office, in power, a dream fulfilled. I don’t mind that. Politics is a blood sport, and more often than not the blood that is spilt comes from your own side. Mr Burnham is now safe. It is a mortal lock that he will be the man to lead Labour into the next general election, whenever it is.

And, although today we are only on day five of his government, it will not be long before discussion turns to whether and when Mr Burnham will call that election. This is, in the final analysis, a decision which will define him. The Andy Burnham government is destined to be more popular than its predecessor. Simply his ability to communicate in a more relatable way, and the fact that he is the sign-of-relief replacement for Sir Keir, makes that inevitable. The key matter at hand, though, is whether his increased popularity is likely to be of the scale required to win an election from Labour’s current lowly position in the opinion polls.

That is highly unlikely which is why, it seems to me at least, there is a compelling case to call a general election quickly, this year, if he is to stand any chance of winning.

The early days of this government, inevitably, are built on vibes. Quick fixes. Small beer. VAT off electricity bills. £2 bus fares. Rent caps. Wealth taxes. The trouble with these is that each has a damaging unintended........

© Herald Scotland