Andy Burnham, the newly confirmed Labour leader, received a standing ovation during his inaugural speech for a mention of the Merseyrail network, a move that underscored his commitment to devolving power from Westminster.
Burnham's Vision for Decentralisation
Speaking at a special leadership conference in London, Burnham outlined his plan to shift power to communities he says have been neglected for too long. The former mayor of Greater Manchester, born on Merseyside, will officially become Prime Minister on Monday.
One of the loudest cheers came when he referenced the Merseyrail network. Burnham was discussing bringing essential services back into public control when he highlighted his friend, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.
"More power over life's essentials so you can make them work better and so they are more affordable for people. Just as my good friend Steve Rotheram is doing today... he is presenting a plan to take the entire Merseyrail network back into public ownership by 2028."
Burnham added: "A plan to cut fares, make trains run on time and a railway run in the interests of passengers, not shareholders."
Merseyrail's Return to Public Control
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is considering a report recommending that rail services currently operated under the Merseyrail concession be taken back into public control when the existing contract ends in 2028. This move aligns with Rotheram's long-standing pledge to create an integrated transport system combining trains, buses, ferries, active travel, and future rapid transit.
The plans are part of the biggest transformation of public transport in the Liverpool City Region for decades. The region is already bringing its bus network back under public control, with the first franchised services expected later this year. Bringing Merseyrail into public ownership would help create a single, integrated network, simplifying journeys and improving connections between different transport modes, giving the region greater freedom to shape its transport future.
