Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has launched a powerful challenge to the Westminster government, demanding a substantial transfer of powers to his region and positioning himself as a formidable political figure in the North.
In a major address that signals his growing national profile, Burnham argued that the current model of devolution is "not working" and called for a new settlement that would grant Greater Manchester control over key areas such as housing, transport, and post-16 skills funding. He explicitly stated that his goal is to build a political force in the North that can stand up to any government in London, regardless of which party is in power.
A Direct Challenge to Westminster
Burnham's speech was a direct critique of the centralised nature of British politics. He declared that the era of "Westminster knows best" is over, accusing successive governments of treating the North as an afterthought. His vision is for a Greater Manchester with the autonomy to shape its own economic destiny, reducing its dependency on decisions made in the capital.
This move is widely seen as a strategic positioning by Burnham, a former Labour cabinet minister, who has significantly increased his influence since becoming mayor. His handling of the Manchester arena bombing and the COVID-19 pandemic earned him plaudits and the nickname "the King of the North."
Fuelling Leadership Speculation
The timing and tone of his demands have intensified speculation about his ultimate ambitions. While he has ruled out an immediate return to Westminster, his actions are interpreted as building a platform that could make him a credible candidate for the Labour leadership in the future, or even a future Prime Minister.
By creating a powerful, well-funded regional base, Burnham is demonstrating an alternative model of governance and leadership. He argued that true levelling up requires more than just funding announcements from London; it requires genuine power to be held locally.
The Demands on the Table
The core of Burnham's proposal includes:
- Full control over the region's affordable housing budget.
- Devolved powers for local transport networks, including the ability to integrate and improve bus and train services.
- Responsibility for skills and adult education funding to tailor training to local job markets.
This assertive stance sets the stage for a potential clash with the current Conservative government and establishes Andy Burnham as a central figure in the national debate about the future of the United Kingdom.
