To put everything in balance is good, to put everything in harmony is better* 

Written by Kelly Edwards, Managing Partner.

The UK’s Prime Minister and Chancellor might consider buying each other a set of traditional weighing scales to mark their first anniversary in Government, as balancing the burden of expectation with the realities of policy delivery is so much harder when in power and accountable. 

Starmer’s first real test of strength internationally has gone well, skilfully handling his meeting with President Trump in the White House and corralling European leaders on Ukraine, but there may well be uncomfortable lessons that can be learned from the counterpoise of love for your country with hard policy. Over recent days we’ve seen the first ministerial resignation from the Government on a point of principle with the International Development Minister Annelise Dodds quitting her post in protest at the cuts to overseas development, demonstrating the contradictions the Government is now being forced to make – trading off realist politics against the ideological wishes and past promises made to party members.

The real balancing act, however, is not just silencing critics or defending a UK budget that clearly illustrates the tension and conflict between policymakers and businesses and, indeed, within the Prime Minister’s own Parliamentary party. It is about evaluating the needs of what must be done to improve the UK against being seen as being nice.

Action is the biggest weight they can use to balance their new scales, if economic harmony is the objective and, despite the anticipated noise from Westminster, they must hold fast in delivering the urgently needed infrastructure and planning bill. 

Starmer and Reeves must be unwavering in relation to any poor results the May local elections may present – always a difficult time for a sitting government, and the first electoral test since the General Election in July. They should stand firm and not water down pro-growth policies due to the inevitable Nimby vs. Yimby debate which will take place on the doorstep. They must be purposeful in their commitment to reduce regulatory burdens which have slowed financial services growth. They must be unswerving in their desire for a more devolved decision-making structure. They must stand firm in the face of international economic pressure. And above all they must be human – it is OK to be wrong, but the key to success in politics is to present a balanced budget in an even tighter set of fiscal circumstances, learn quickly from any mistakes, and not be afraid to try out new measures and ideas.

It is a tough balancing act.

To fix the NHS, make streets safer, remove our fossil fuel energy dependency – oh, and also to grow the economy – their new scales will be in daily use and probably be worn out by the Government’s second anniversary. Over the remainder of this year, it will be imperative for business to navigate policy and engage effectively to have its voice heard in the delicate balancing act.

*As the nineteenth-century French politician, author and playwright Victor Hugo said: “To put everything in balance is good, to put everything in harmony is better.”