A leaked memo, a Maga-style hat and a trail of broken pledges – it’s Labour’s great housing betrayal | Aditya Chakrabortty

In this article, Aditya Chakrabortty criticizes the housing policies of the Labour party and its new housing secretary, Steve Reed. Chakrabortty argues that Reed's bold promises, such as the "Build Baby Build!" slogan and the distribution of MAGA-style hats, are likely to result in pathetic housing targets rather than substantial progress. The article highlights a leaked memo that contradicts Reed's public statements, suggesting a lack of commitment to bold housing reforms. Chakrabortty draws a comparison between Reed and the former Conservative housing secretary, Robert Jenrick, arguing that both have turned populist despite their centrist leanings. The article suggests that Reed's approach, which borrows from the playbook of former US President Donald Trump, is a disappointing development for those who had hoped for meaningful housing policy reforms from the Labour party. Chakrabortty concludes that the party's housing pledges are likely to end in broken promises, much like the current government's record on the issue.