The change of power in the UK

Analysis: Burnham must sell in deferred reward

Andy Burnham's first government has taken shape and emotions are running high among British commentators.

John Healey takes over as Chancellor of the Exchequer and is surrounded by a hornet's nest, writes the Financial Times' Chris Giles, listing six mistakes he should avoid making. One of them is linked to inflation and the perception that it can be brought down with political reforms such as lowering VAT.

"The taxpayer's subsidies will become permanent, while the lower inflation will only last for 12 months," writes Giles, referring to the fact that prices are normally set in relation to the corresponding period last year.

In The Telegraph, Jake Wallis Simons rages against the appointment of Ed Miliband as the new Foreign Secretary. He fears that Miliband will take British foreign policy in a more critical direction of Israel, supported by opinion within the Labour Party.

“Few things are more dangerous than a banal and spineless politician in a position that requires strength,” writes Wallis Simons.

One of the government’s big challenges going forward is to shift the political perspective in Britain from the relentless campaigning of the past decade to a more long-term focus.

“In an age where attention spans are limited and incumbents are easy to attack, Burnham must somehow hold voters’ attention while delaying their rewards,” he writes.