As companies record obscene profits, average wages are lower than 12 years ago. Inequality is widening.

How can the Government stand by and watch those struggling to make ends meet, and do nothing?

The actual Prime Minister, still Boris Johnson, is absent without leave. He is like Nero, playing the fiddle, whilst Rome burns.

What’s more, as inflation prompts a transfer of wealth from the poorest to the richest, both candidates for the Conservative leadership have their head in the sand.

Sunak and Truss talk as if they have not been part of the Government for the last 12 years, with no interest in addressing the economic crisis.

Instead, they turn fire on organised workers. Sunak claims he would ban the right to strike in the public sector, and Truss claims she will “clamp down” on unions.

As recession looms and the cost of everyday goods spirals, our Prime Ministerial hopefuls resort to anti-union tropes in a desperate hope to win the Conservative selectorate.

Meanwhile, Labour offers an alternative. Starmer has laid out a fully-costed plan and would halt the energy price cap rise, saving every household £1,000, worth £130 million to Bolton, by taxing exorbitant profits. We’d insulate homes to make our country more energy efficient.

Reeves and Rayner also announced reforms to the low pay commission, ensuring a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. By linking the minimum wage to the cost of living, people will have a real wage floor, allowing dignity in work.

In 2022, we should seek to address inequality and look to economic growth, whilst giving people a larger slice of the cake.

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