Andy Burnham, set to become Prime Minister in three weeks, will deliver a speech later today at the People's History Museum in Manchester outlining his plans for devolution. He promises to use his premiership to change how the UK is governed, not just who governs it.
What is Devolution?
Devolution involves transferring powers from central government to regional decision-making bodies. Notable examples followed Tony Blair's 1997 victory, creating devolved legislatures in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These bodies control areas like education and health, while Westminster retains immigration and defence powers, and can veto certain decisions—as with Scotland's gender recognition reform bill in 2023.
In England, combined authorities have seen smaller-scale devolution over the past 15 years. Burnham, former Mayor of Greater Manchester, aims to kick off the 'biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times,' arguing regions and communities should make more decisions affecting them.
Burnham's Devolution Platform
Burnham, in his 2024 book Head North co-written with Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram, calls for a 'federal UK' similar to the US or Germany. He writes that the UK must 'complete the process of devolving power out of Westminster to all parts of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to allow all the nations and regions to do much more for themselves.' He adds, 'Only then will we usher in a new era where people and places can be masters of their own destiny, and free to collaborate, without everything having to pass through the distorting lens of Westminster.'
In his speech, Burnham will say replacing the 'centralised, top-down model' with local focus will result in 'good growth in every postcode.'
Political Feasibility and Risks
Burnham's devolution plans align with Labour's 2024 manifesto, which promised to 'transfer power out of Westminster, and into our communities, with landmark devolution legislation.' The government has already passed the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. Communities Secretary Steve Reed said Burnham would put 'rocket boosters' under the devolution begun under Sir Keir Starmer.
However, extending powers also means empowering Reform mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire, and Conservative mayors in Tees Valley and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Voters might blame Burnham if local bodies mishandle new responsibilities.
Burnham's central idea is to reshape UK governance, betting that devolution will deliver tangible benefits across the country.
