Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has endorsed Andy Burnham's proposal for a 'Number 10 North', stating that the plan to shift power from London to the regions is "not a North vs South thing". Speaking at the North East Child Poverty Summit in Newcastle, Rayner backed Burnham's vision of transferring funding and decision-making away from Whitehall and into local areas, driven by a new Downing Street branch based in Manchester.
Devolution Vision Endorsed
Rayner, who was once seen as a potential successor to Keir Starmer, praised Burnham's commitment to handing more control to metro mayors and other local leaders. She described the plan as "absolutely right" and dismissed critics who have labelled it a "gimmick". Burnham, who is on course to become Labour leader after securing 322 MP nominations, has promised a radical transfer of power to ensure every postcode benefits.
"This is not about pitching one place against another, it is about making sure we deliver for everyone," Rayner said. "He called it the Makerfield test – well you could say it's Makerfield, you can say it's Carlisle, it's Scunthorpe, it's Darlington. Wherever you want, people want to feel a sense of pride and optimism."
Fresh Enthusiasm for Labour
Rayner, who resigned from the cabinet last year after a HMRC investigation cleared her of wrongdoing, expressed confidence that Burnham would bring "fresh enthusiasm" to the Labour administration following a collapse in support at May's local elections. She emphasised the need to deliver on the party's manifesto, highlighting legislation she helped pass, including the Renters Rights Act, the Devolution and Empowerment Bill, and the Elections Bill.
"I just want us to deliver," Rayner said. "Andy says he wants to deliver that manifesto. I was in a rush to deliver – I put probably the most legislation through Parliament in the first session because we needed homes, we needed the Renters Rights Act, we needed the Devolution and Empowerment Bill, and we needed the Elections Bill."
Not About Personal Ambition
When asked about her own role in a potential Burnham government, Rayner downplayed personal ambition. "It is not about 'what job do you think you can get, Ange?' It is about what you can deliver and where is your place in that delivery for the people you represent," she said. Burnham is expected to be confirmed as Labour leader within two weeks after potential rival Al Carns ruled himself out of the contest.
