In a powerful challenge to his party's leadership, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has declared that the Labour Party will only secure and maintain its crucial electoral gains in the North of England if it commits to a fundamental shift of power away from Westminster.
The prominent metro mayor, often dubbed the 'King of the North', issued his stark ultimatum to Sir Keir Starmer, warning that without a concrete plan for significant devolution, hard-won votes could quickly slip away. His intervention signals a potential rift between the Labour leadership in London and its powerbase in the regional cities.
The Price of Northern Support
Burnham's argument is rooted in the dramatic political realignment witnessed in the last general election. He contends that voters in traditional 'Red Wall' constituencies did not simply lend their support to Labour; they fundamentally rejected the Conservative Party's centralised model of governance.
"The next Labour government has to be different," Burnham asserted. "It can't just be a slightly more competent version of the way the country has been run for the last 14 years. People are crying out for a different way of doing politics."
A Blueprint for Regional Empowerment
The Mayor's vision extends beyond mere administrative changes. He is advocating for a full-blown political devolution settlement for England, mirroring the powers already held by Scotland and Wales. This would include:
- Greater fiscal autonomy, allowing regions to retain and manage more of the taxes they generate.
- Devolution of significant transport budgets, enabling integrated, London-style systems across city regions.
- Control over skills and adult education funding, tailored to local economic needs.
- Enhanced powers over housing and planning to build communities that work for local people.
Burnham believes that this is not just a political imperative but an economic one, essential for addressing the deep-seated regional inequalities that have plagued the UK for decades.
Starmer's Next Challenge
While Sir Keir Starmer has expressed support for the principle of devolution, Burnham's comments apply intense pressure to translate that support into a detailed, actionable manifesto commitment. The Mayor's message is clear: warm words are not enough. The North demands a tangible deal.
This powerful call to action sets the stage for one of the first major internal tests for an incoming Labour government. Balancing the centralising force of Whitehall with the growing demand for regional empowerment will be crucial to securing Labour's long-term legacy and holding together its new coalition of voters.
