Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor widely expected to become Prime Minister on July 20, has vowed to create a 'No10 North' based in Manchester to redistribute power across the country. In his first speech since effectively becoming PM-in-waiting, Burnham promised a 'new era of possibility' and said he would take 'power out of the centre' and put it 'in the hands of the people and places who can use it best'.
Key Announcements in Burnham's Speech
Speaking at the People's History Museum in Manchester, wearing his trademark T-shirt, Burnham set out a ten-year mission to raise living standards. He pledged the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period and greater public control of utilities like water, housing, energy and transport.
Burnham, who has long championed devolution, said No10 North will be a northern branch of the Prime Minister's office and will serve as the 'nerve centre of a rewired Britain'. He stated: 'I am going to give Britain the circuit breaker it needs by building a more collaborative politics in Westminster, by taking power out of the centre and putting it in the hands of the people and places who can use it best. And in so doing, creating a new sense of agency, possibility and hope flowing around the country. We will make politics work for you and the place where you live.'
Details on No10 North's Role
Burnham elaborated: 'No10 North will be the nerve centre of a rewired Britain. It will be the conduit through which we redistribute power and resources across the UK. It will co-ordinate all parts of government at national and local level to agree a long term economic strategy and help all places set new growth ambitions. It will be given a mission to strive for equivalent living conditions in all parts of Britain, borrowing from the German Basic Law.'
In a message of hope to struggling families, he said: 'Imagine if we could bring down the cost of energy for people and businesses, and the good things that would come from that. Imagine good growth in every postcode and hope in every heart. I'll say it again: Imagine good growth in every postcode and hope in every heart. Well, imagine no more. Let's make it happen.'
Political Context
Burnham is widely expected to become Prime Minister without the need for an official leadership contest, following Keir Starmer's resignation last week after losing faith in his MPs. The Mirror invites readers to vote in a poll on the idea of having a No10 North in Manchester.
