Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, delivered a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester on Monday, June 29, setting out his vision for government as he bids to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader and prime minister. The former mayor of Greater Manchester unveiled plans to shift decision-making power away from Whitehall, creating a 'Number 10' in the North and giving local leaders more control over economic development, investment and public services.
Burnham's Call for Change
In his speech, Burnham said the country spends too much time arguing and not enough doing, adding that this culture is not justified. He highlighted the stark imbalance in resources between national and local government, which he says is holding back growth. 'If councils can't fix potholes, what chance do they have of bringing forward major regeneration schemes?' he asked.
He described local government as 'threadbare' and argued that this is bad for everywhere, as the whole country suffers when regions are not reaching their potential. He promised to bring about 'the biggest rebalancing of power the country has ever seen' and said it is time for Whitehall to accept that growth cannot be ordered from the top down.
Manchesterism and Good Growth
Burnham outlined a vision he called 'Manchesterism', a rejection of the old trickle-down model in favour of 'good growth' in every postcode. He said this would involve public intervention where necessary, such as in Stockport, to kickstart change. He also emphasised the importance of sound public finances and fiscal discipline.
He proposed a 'Makerfield Test' to ensure all government decisions benefit every part of the country. 'This country hasn't thought in that way before – but, with the Makerfield Test at the heart of decision-making, it will do from now on,' he said.
Number 10 North and Devolution
Burnham announced plans to create a 'Number 10 North' based in Manchester, which would serve as a nerve centre for a rewired Britain. He said it would coordinate all parts of government to agree a long-term economic strategy and help all places set new growth ambitions. 'The days of Whitehall fighting the devolution of power into the regions and nations are over, for good,' he declared.
He also called for more powers for rural economies, coastal towns, and even London, saying he wants to see 'good growth in every British postcode'. He pledged to extend devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by taking power deeper down.
Reform of Utilities and Reindustrialisation
Burnham set out three clear tasks for Number 10 North: reform of essential utilities, reindustrialisation, and regeneration of places. He promised to ensure all parts of the UK can take greater public control of essential services like water, housing, energy and transport, learning from the model that transformed bus networks in Greater Manchester.
On reindustrialisation, he said he would support every region to set clear industrial ambitions and encourage cross-UK partnerships, such as the one between Cambridge and Manchester on life sciences. He also pledged to back British industry through public procurement policy, ensuring that every pound raised from taxpayers works harder for them.
Education and Housing
Burnham called for a complete rethink of the education system, ending the focus on the university route and creating parity between academic and technical education. 'The days of a school system configured entirely around the university route will be brought to an end,' he said.
He also highlighted the housing crisis, noting that Britain has lost almost 1.5 million council homes since the 1980s. He said repairing public housing stock and addressing the housing trap is essential to reducing the welfare bill and improving public finances.
Closing Remarks
Near the end of his speech, Burnham said: 'Imagine what it would feel like to live in a country wired to work for local people instead of against them. Imagine good growth in every postcode and hope in every heart.' He concluded: 'Imagine no more. Let's make it happen,' before exiting to a standing ovation. He did not take any media questions.
