Burnham's 'Manchesterism' got him to No 10 - but will it work for the UK?
BBC News 2026-07-17 05:00:08
Context: Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is poised to become Prime Minister, bringing with him his vision of "Manchesterism," a blend of free markets and social spirit that has driven Manchester's economic growth. Manchester's success story, which began with the city's reconstruction after the 1996 IRA bomb, is rooted in a bold, centrally driven strategic plan delivered by private capital and international investment. As Burnham prepares to apply his model to the whole of the nation, there is talk of Manchesterism as a political-economic philosophy that offers a programme for national transformation.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham, as the mayor of Greater Manchester, had ambitions to host the final of the women's football World Cup in Manchester in 2035, appealing directly to Fifa, and also planned to join forces with other mayors for a "Great Northern" Olympic bid across the north of England.
- Manchester has experienced significant growth, with 13,000 people moving from London to Manchester, compared to 11,800 moving in the opposite direction, according to the latest internal migration figures.
- The city's economy has been driven by a clear plan, backed by private capital and international investment, with the council de-risking investments with public money and sometimes stepping in to tide projects over during financial crises.
- Burnham's programme, outlined in his book "Head North: A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain," includes a 10-point plan to "rewire" the country, arguing that better homes, transport, and jobs across the country can only come from a new set of principles and rules for the running of the British state.
- Manchester's success story has been built on its ability to retain over half its graduates, more than any other city apart from London, and attract almost as many young graduates as it produces, according to the Centre for Cities.