Alex Brummer writes that public finances are under strain and that Labour’s tax rises since July 2024 have left the UK “on a knife edge.” In his commentary, he argues that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham should pursue a policy direction that supports business and enterprise as part of a “fresh start.” The articles state that the government has implemented around £75 billion in tax increases since Labour took office in July 2024, while broader fiscal pressures remain unresolved. Brummer’s piece frames these developments as a challenge for both national and local decision-makers, suggesting that encouraging investment and economic activity could be a route to improving prospects for growth and public services. The reports do not present new figures beyond the cited scale of tax increases and focus on interpreting the fiscal situation and the political response Brummer believes is required.