The Daily Mail’s editorial argues that Andy Burnham’s conference speech offered stirring promises but little evidence that he could restore confidence or deliver them. It says his pledge that “hope comes from honesty” rings hollow unless voters believe he can improve the country, and questions how his proposed programme would be funded.

The editorial lists pledges including reindustrialisation, renationalising utilities, more council homes, stronger tenant rights and a national care service. It cites the Institute for Fiscal Studies as saying that changing the pensions triple lock would not fund the care service, let alone the wider programme, and predicts further tax rises. It also disputes Burnham’s favourable account of the 1970s, pointing to inflation of 26.9 per cent, double-digit mortgage rates and top income tax rates of 83 per cent, or 98 per cent on investment income.