Henry Zeffman: Andy Burnham offers a blueprint for his premiership
BBC News 2026-06-29 12:53:17
Context: Andy Burnham, who is set to become the UK's next prime minister in three weeks, has outlined his vision for the country, centered around devolving power from Westminster to regional offices, with a new prime ministerial office, "Number 10 North", to be established in Manchester. This move is part of his broader plan to bring about the "biggest rebalancing of power" in political history, with a focus on localizing power and promoting a "more collaborative politics". Burnham's vision is based on his experience as the mayor of Greater Manchester, which he believes can serve as a blueprint for the rest of the country.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham, who has previously tried and failed to become prime minister twice, is set to move into Downing Street in three weeks, with his vision for the country centered around devolving power from Westminster to regional offices.
- Burnham plans to establish a new prime ministerial office, "Number 10 North", in Manchester, which will have specific responsibility for the "biggest council housebuilding programme since the postwar period".
- The new office will be part of a broader plan to devolve powers to locally-elected leaders across the country, including in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the aim of bringing about the "biggest rebalancing of power" in political history.
- Burnham's vision is based on his experience as the mayor of Greater Manchester, which he believes can serve as a blueprint for the rest of the country, and he has promised to raise living standards for everyone, reform business rates, and support businesses like pubs.
- Burnham has also criticized the "broken" Westminster system, attacking "finger-pointing" and calling for a "more collaborative politics", with a focus on localizing power and promoting economic growth in regions outside of London.