New 'No 10 North' plan will rebalance power in Britain, Burnham promises
BBC News 2026-06-29 18:16:57
Context: Andy Burnham, the Labour MP for Makerfield and a candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, has outlined his vision for a new Downing Street team based in Manchester, labelled 'No 10 North', which aims to redistribute power across the UK. In a speech at the People's History Museum, Burnham promised the biggest rebalancing of power in Britain's history, with a focus on devolving power to local communities and driving growth in every postcode. This initiative is part of his broader vision to reform the education system, cut welfare, and support high street businesses.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham announced his intention to stand as prime minister to replace Sir Keir Starmer last Monday, shortly after being elected as the MP for Makerfield, and could become the next prime minister as early as 20 July if he remains the sole candidate.
- Burnham's 'No 10 North' plan aims to oversee the biggest rebalancing of power in Britain's history, with a new Downing Street team based in Manchester that will support regions in three tasks: reform of essential utilities, reindustrialisation, and regeneration.
- The new unit will make "power flow" across the country, allowing for greater public control of essential services such as water, energy, and transport, and enabling regions to have more say over education and housing.
- Burnham promised the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period, a "complete rethink" of education with a greater emphasis on technical education, and cuts to welfare in a "way that is fair and lasting".
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Burnham's plan, saying he backs devolution because he "doesn't know what to do so he wants to pass the problem to someone else", and that politicians have "outsourced decisions" through devolution without giving local people the real tools for power.