Andy Burnham, widely expected to become the next Prime Minister after Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, delivered his first major address in Manchester, declaring the Westminster system 'broken' and unveiling radical plans to 'rewire Britain'. The speech at the People's History Museum outlined a vision for a 'Number 10 North' and a 10-year mission to raise living standards across the country.
English Devolution Plan: A 'Number 10 in the North'
Burnham proposed establishing a Prime Minister's office in Manchester, describing it as 'the most radical plan for devolution in modern history'. He said: 'Westminster hasn't been working for people and it hasn't been working for a very long time. In fact, it is broken and as a result, the country isn't where it should be.' The 'Number 10 North' would oversee power redistribution to the Midlands, South West, East of England, London, and northern regions.
Growth in Every British Postcode
The newly-elected MP for Makerfield pledged 'growth in every British postcode' and localised power to address issues like inadequate transport in rural economies. Burnham argued: 'We are one of the most over-centralised countries in the world... We will make politics work for you and the place where you live. I know it can be done, because we have done it here in Greater Manchester.'
10-Year Mission to Raise Living Standards
Burnham outlined a '10-year mission to raise living standards across the land', implying a long-term premiership. He said: 'I have had 10 years of fighting the Whitehall machine... Ours will be a 10-year mission to raise living standards across the land. To do this, Number 10 North will support the regions on three clear tasks: reform of essential utilities, reindustrialisation, and the regeneration of places.'
Biggest Council House Building Programme Since Post-War
Addressing the housing crisis, Burnham vowed to oversee the largest council house building programme since the post-war period. He stated: 'Britain's housing crisis is having a ruinous impact on its public finances... If you don't give people a good home, what chance have they got of having a good life?'
Rethink of Support for Young People
To tackle youth unemployment, Burnham pledged to create more 45-day work placements and end a school system 'configured entirely around the university route'. He said: 'We need a complete rethink of how we support the next generation to succeed... University is great for those who want it, but when are we going to focus on the life chances of those kids who want something different?'
Collaboration and Change in Westminster Culture
Burnham promised to change Westminster's 'unhappier' culture and hinted at abandoning the whip system. He said: 'I will reach out to other political parties to find as much common ground as we can... The stark imbalance in resources between national government and local government is holding back growth.'
