A new cartoon by Ben Jennings, published in the Guardian, takes a satirical look at Andy Burnham’s recent call for greater devolved powers for metro mayors in England. The cartoon, which appeared on 23 June 2026, depicts Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, as a diminutive figure overshadowed by a towering Keir Starmer, the Labour leader and Prime Minister. Burnham is shown holding a placard reading “More power for mayors,” while Starmer looms above, holding a sign that says “No.”
Context of the cartoon
The cartoon reflects growing tensions within the Labour Party over the balance of power between central government and regional mayors. Burnham has been a vocal advocate for devolution, arguing that metro mayors need more authority over areas such as transport, housing, and skills to drive economic growth. In a speech earlier this week, Burnham said: “The current settlement leaves mayors with responsibility but not the resources or decision-making powers to match.”
Starmer’s government, however, has been cautious about ceding further control, prioritising national consistency in policy delivery. A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister believes in devolution that works, but we must ensure that key services are delivered fairly across the country.”
Satirical elements
Jennings’ cartoon uses visual metaphor to highlight the power imbalance. Burnham is drawn in a suit, but his small stature and the positioning of his placard suggest a lack of influence. Starmer, in contrast, is depicted as a giant, with a stern expression, reinforcing the idea of a centralised leadership that is resistant to sharing authority. The cartoon’s style is typical of Jennings’ work, which often uses exaggeration to critique political figures and policies.
The cartoon has sparked discussion on social media, with some commentators noting that it captures the frustration of regional leaders who feel sidelined. Others have pointed out that the Labour Party’s internal debate over devolution is not new, but has intensified since the party returned to government.
Broader implications
The issue of devolution is a key theme in UK politics, with metro mayors across the country pushing for more autonomy. Burnham’s stance is supported by other Labour mayors, including Steve Rotheram of the Liverpool City Region and Tracy Brabin of West Yorkshire. They argue that devolution can help address regional inequalities and boost economic productivity.
However, the central government’s reluctance to grant more powers reflects concerns about fragmentation and accountability. A recent report by the Institute for Government noted that “the current devolution framework is piecemeal and lacks a clear vision,” urging both sides to find a compromise.
