Andy Burnham, the frontrunner for the Labour leadership, is set to address the nation on Monday with a '10-year mission' speech that will outline his blueprint for devolution and economic policy. The Makerfield MP will announce a flagship scheme to establish a 'No 10' in the North and goals for 'good growth in every postcode,' in what supporters describe as the largest shift of power from Whitehall in modern history.
Key Proposals and Vision
In his address in Manchester, Burnham will demand decision-making be returned to local communities as part of his vision to 'lift Britain back up.' He is expected to pledge public procurement reform focusing on 'buying British' to revitalise industry and deliver greater 'social value' through work placements and apprenticeships. Education reforms are also on the cards, aiming for 'true parity' between academic and technical education, a balance that outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also prioritised.
Burnham, who worked as a minister and on the Opposition frontbench before becoming a regional mayor in 2017, will argue that his generation of politicians must accept responsibility for the erosion of public confidence in politics. He is anticipated to outline plans to stimulate economic growth by granting regional mayors greater control over social housing, welfare, and post-16 education, as reported by The Times.
Devolution and Power Shift
A long-time advocate for devolution, Burnham is believed to be keen for local leaders to take a more active role in helping young people transition off benefits. He has spoken to Alan Milburn, who is conducting a review into unemployment among 16-to-24-year-olds, according to the newspaper. This agenda aligns with the views expressed in his book, Head North, co-authored with his friend and fellow mayor Steve Rotheram, where he criticised the current system of regional leaders going 'on bended knee' to Westminster.
Burnham is also expected to reveal plans to relocate part of his prime ministerial operation to the North of England, creating a 'No 10 North' to decentralise power from Whitehall. If he remains unopposed for the Labour leadership, his speech will come exactly three weeks before he steps foot in Downing Street.
Party Support and Political Context
High-ranking Labour figures have asserted that the party is united behind the leadership favourite. Housing Secretary Steve Reed suggested that Burnham would bring about 'changes in emphasis' but adhere to the 'fundamentals' such as the Government's borrowing rules. Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell stated that the newly-elected MP had developed a 'clear sense of purpose' and insisted people wanted the party to 'get on with the job' of governing.
Burnham bucked national trends to boost Labour's vote share in the Makerfield by-election this month following its calamitous local election results in May, which amplified calls for Sir Keir's resignation. However, the party has consistently dipped in the polls for months, and political rivals have called for a general election to coincide with the change in leader.
