Can Andy Burnham’s Manchesterism Save the U.K.’s Center Left?

The article analyzes Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister and former Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is promoting 'Manchesterism' as a fresh economic model. Burnham argues that decades of neoliberalism have failed the 70% of the population living outside Southeast England, particularly in the North. He advocates for devolving power from London and using public intervention to boost left-behind communities. His approach, which blends populist messaging with a focus on affordability and regional revival, draws comparisons to New York politician Zohran Mamdani. Burnham's record as Manchester mayor, where the city thrived as a services hub, underpins his pitch for a more inclusive, interventionist economic policy.