Why Sunak, Starmer and Swinney should promise less to deliver more - Brian Monteith

In his article "Why Sunak, Starmer and Swinney should promise less to deliver more," Brian Monteith expresses his concern over the lack of trust in the leadership of the main political parties in the UK: the Conservative Party led by Rishi Sunak, the Labour Party led by Keir Starmer, and the Scottish National Party (SNP) led by Mark Drakeford in Scotland, known as First Minister of Scotland under the title "The Rt. Hon. Mark Drakeford MS" (Member of the Scottish Parliament).

Monteith argues that these leaders have made numerous promises during their campaigns and tenures, but have failed to deliver on many of them. He believes that instead of making grand promises, they should focus on delivering what they can realistically achieve.

Let's examine each leader's promises and their delivery record:

1. Rishi Sunak (Conservative Party):

Sunak came to power in February 2022 after Boris Johnson's resignation. During his leadership campaign, he promised to focus on economic growth, reducing the national debt, and addressing the cost-of-living crisis. However, his government's first budget, announced in March 2022, was criticized for not doing enough to help struggling households with rising energy bills and inflation.

2. Keir Starmer (Labour Party):

Starmer took over as Labour leader in April 2020, following the resignation of Jeremy Corbyn. He promised to unite the party and focus on policy areas where Labour could make a difference, such as social care, education, and the NHS. However, his leadership has been criticized for not delivering significant policy changes or inspiring a clear vision for the party.

3. Mark Drakeford (SNP):

Drakeford became First Minister of Scotland in May 2019 after Nicola Sturgeon's resignation. He promised to focus on economic recovery, education, and health care in Scotland. However, his government has faced criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its response to the Omicron variant and the resulting surge in cases. Additionally, Drakeford's push for a second Scottish independence referendum has been met with opposition from both the UK government and many Scots.

Monteith's argument is that these leaders should focus on delivering what they can realistically achieve instead of making grand promises they may not be able to keep. This approach could help restore trust in their leadership and allow them to build a stronger foundation for future success.

It's important to note that political leadership involves balancing competing priorities and making difficult decisions. While it's essential for leaders to be transparent about their limitations and communicate effectively with their constituents, it's also crucial for them to maintain a sense of ambition and vision for their party and the country. Finding the right balance between delivering what's achievable while striving for progress can be a challenging task.

In conclusion, Monteith's article highlights the need for political leaders to be mindful of their promises and focus on delivering what they can realistically achieve. The current leaders of the Conservative Party, Labour Party, and SNP have faced criticism for their inability to keep some promises, which has contributed to a lack of trust in their leadership. By focusing on delivering what they can realistically achieve, these leaders may be able to restore some faith in their ability to govern effectively.