Labour can’t ‘turn on the taps from day one’ on spending, says new TUC leader

Paul Nowak says party can ‘set a very clear direction of travel’ for public services if it wins next election

Labour will not be able “turn the taps on from day one” on public spending if it wins the next election, the new leader of the TUC has acknowledged, suggesting the party’s attempts to manage expectations are working.

The incoming general secretary, Paul Nowak, said a Labour government would not be able to fix the Conservatives’ “neglect” straight after coming to power but suggested it could still “set a very clear direction of travel” for public services.