Andy Burnham Outlines 10-Year Devolution Plan for UK as PM
Incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, speaking at the People's History Museum in Manchester, proposed a 10-year mission to raise living standards and devolve power from Westminster. His plan includes establishing a "Number 10 North" in Manchester, boosting council housing, reforming education for technical parity, prioritizing British industry in procurement, and increasing public control over utilities. Burnham aims to tackle regional inequality and low growth through local economic control, positioning this as the biggest change to how Britain is run in decades.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Burnham unveils devolution plan with new 'Number 10 North' in Manchester
Andy Burnham delivered a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester, proposing a major devolution of tax revenue and political power from Whitehall to local regions across England. The centrepiece is a new 'Number 10 North' operation in Manchester to oversee the process, aimed at ending decades of centralisation. Burnham argued that the current system of 95% of taxes being controlled by the Treasury stifles growth, especially in regions outside London. He identified two linked problems: low growth across most of the country, and an overheating housing market in London. Devolution would give local leaders control over transport, planning, and housing budgets, enabling bus franchising, rail takeovers, and new light rail projects. The article presents this as a common-sense shift to boost living standards and national economic resilience, noting that the UK's local investment rate is half that of France, Germany, and the OECD average.
LabourListAndy Burnham Proposes Major Devolution Shift with New 'Number 10 North' in Manchester
In a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester, UK Labour politician Andy Burnham outlined a sweeping plan to devolve economic powers and tax revenues from Whitehall to English regions. He proposed establishing a new Number 10 operation in Manchester to oversee this shift, aiming to solve two interrelated regional problems: low growth outside London and high housing costs in the capital. Burnham argued that greater local control over transport, planning, and housing—modeled on Greater Manchester's bus franchising and rail reforms—would boost national productivity and resilience. The plan targets the UK's low local investment rate, which is half that of France and Germany, by giving regions control over 95% of taxes currently hoarded by the Treasury. Burnham's speech was framed as a 'common sense' revolution against decades of centralization, with potential benefits for southern coastal towns as well as northern cities. The vision now requires overcoming Whitehall inertia to become reality.
LabourListAndy Burnham Outlines Vision for Britain with New 'Number 10 North' and Policy Reforms
Andy Burnham, a key Labour figure on the brink of entering Downing Street, delivered a major speech in Manchester outlining a comprehensive vision for Britain's future. He announced plans to establish a 'Number 10 North' operation in Manchester to decentralize power and drive growth across all regions, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. His ten-year plan includes greater public control over utilities (water, housing, energy, transport), prioritizing British businesses in procurement, and launching the largest council house building programme since the post-war era to address the 'housing trap.' Burnham also pledged to reform the party whip system to allow MPs more authentic representation. He remained tight-lipped about his Cabinet, amid rumors about appointments for Ed Miliband and David Miliband. The speech was framed as a comprehensive antidote to populist pessimism, focusing on hope, devolution, and state-led industrial ambition.
LabourListBurnham sets out vision for Britain with new 'Number 10 North'
Andy Burnham, in a major speech in Manchester, laid out a comprehensive vision for Britain's future, including plans for a new 'Number 10 North' office to drive devolution and economic growth across the UK. He promised greater public control over utilities like water, energy, and transport, the biggest council house building programme since World War II, and prioritising British industry in procurement. Burnham also pledged to reform Westminster's whipping system to allow MPs more freedom. He did not announce his Cabinet yet amid rumours about Ed Miliband and David Miliband. The speech was framed as an antidote to populist pessimism.
LabourListAndy Burnham Sets Out Vision for Britain Pledging Biggest Change to How Country Is Run
Andy Burnham, the incoming UK prime minister, delivered a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester outlining his vision for Britain. He vowed to bring about 'the biggest change in our lifetimes to the way the country is run' by shifting power away from Whitehall to local communities and regions. Burnham confirmed plans to establish a 'No.10 north' as a nerve center for a rewired Britain, aiming to distribute power to the Midlands, South West, East of England, and London. He also announced the biggest boost in council house building since the Second World War and major education reforms to enhance technical education for non-university-bound pupils. Burnham emphasized breaking with the 'more of the same' approach and building a more collaborative politics to create growth and regeneration across the country.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Andy Burnham Vows 'Biggest Change' to Running Country in Vision Speech
Andy Burnham, set to become UK prime minister next month, delivered a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester outlining his vision for Britain. He promised the 'biggest change in our lifetimes to the way the country is run,' including a major shift of power from Whitehall to local communities and regions. Burnham announced he will establish a 'No.10 north' as a nerve center for a rewired Britain, aiming to distribute power across all regions including London. His plans include the largest boost in council house building since WWII and major education reforms to enhance technical education for non-university-bound pupils. Burnham emphasized breaking with the 'more of the same' approach, fostering collaborative politics, and focusing on growth and regeneration to restore hope for those affected by rising prices and stagnating wages.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Andy Burnham Proposes 10-Year Mission to 'Lift Britain Back Up' as PM
Andy Burnham, who is on course to become UK Prime Minister on July 20, 2026, is set to outline a 10-year mission to raise living standards and devolve power from Westminster to local communities. In a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester, the Makerfield MP will propose a 'No.10 North' to drive devolution and economic renewal. His plan includes re-industrialisation, housing, infrastructure, utility reforms, and a partnership model between government, business, universities, and communities—similar to his approach as Greater Manchester mayor. Burnham will also pledge public procurement reforms to support British industry in exchange for more work placements and apprenticeships, plus education reforms that reduce the push for university and create parity between academic and technical subjects.
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)