Andy Burnham has unveiled what he calls a 10-year mission to rebuild Britain’s economy, arguing that the country’s biggest challenge is not simply who governs from Westminster but how Britain is governed altogether. In his first major policy speech since emerging as Labour’s leadership frontrunner following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation, Burnham set out an ambitious blueprint centred on devolving power away from Whitehall, boosting regional investment and delivering what he describes as “good growth in every postcode.”Speaking in Manchester, where he served as Mayor for nine years, Burnham said Britain needs “the circuit-breaker it needs” after years of sluggish economic growth, widening regional inequality and declining trust in politics. He pledged what his team describes as “the biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times,” insisting that local leaders should have far greater control over the decisions affecting their communities.Rather than offering a series of short-term spending announcements, Burnham’s proposals are built around a decade-long programme of economic reform covering housing, transport, education, welfare, infrastructure and industrial policy. His argument is that England’s economy has become too dependent on decisions made in London, leaving many towns and cities outside the capital struggling to attract investment and create better-paid jobs.
More powers for England’s Mayors
The centrepiece of Burnham’s blueprint is a dramatic expansion of devolution.He wants metro mayors and local authorities to gain significantly greater responsibility over social housing, transport, post-16 education, adult skills, employment support and elements of welfare policy, allowing regional leaders to shape economic policy around local needs instead of relying on Whitehall departments.Burnham argues that England’s current system remains one of the most centralised among developed economies and says that local leaders are often forced to return repeatedly to Westminster seeking permission and funding for projects that could be managed more effectively at regional level. “We need to change how Britain is governed, not just who governs it,” Burnham says in the speech.His proposals also include multi-year funding settlements, giving councils and metro mayors greater financial certainty to plan major transport, housing and regeneration projects instead of relying on annual government spending rounds. Several reports also suggest Burnham wants regions to have greater influence over business rates and locally generated revenues as part of a broader package of fiscal devolution.
What’s the economic plan?
Beyond constitutional reform, Burnham’s blueprint sets out a broader strategy aimed at raising living standards over the next decade.His plan focuses on reindustrialisation, expanding housebuilding, investing in transport and infrastructure, improving utilities and encouraging private investment across regions that have historically received less economic support than London and the South East.Burnham repeatedly returns to the phrase “good growth in every postcode”, arguing that economic success should no longer be measured solely by London’s performance but by whether prosperity reaches every community across England.Another key proposal involves reforming public procurement so that government contracts deliver greater benefits for British industry. Under Burnham’s vision, procurement would increasingly prioritise British businesses, apprenticeships, skilled jobs and wider social value, helping public spending support domestic manufacturing and employment rather than simply selecting the lowest-cost supplier.He also wants technical education to enjoy the same status as university education, arguing that vocational qualifications and apprenticeships should become central to Britain’s long-term industrial strategy.
Tackling youth unemployment
One of Burnham’s most eye-catching proposals is the creation of a “No.10 North” in Manchester.The idea would see part of the Prime Minister’s operation permanently based outside London, creating a symbolic and practical shift in where national decisions are made. Burnham believes relocating elements of government would demonstrate that economic renewal cannot be achieved while political power remains overwhelmingly concentrated in Westminster.Another major pillar of the plan focuses on tackling youth unemployment.Burnham wants mayors to play a leading role in helping almost one million young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Instead of reducing welfare costs through benefit cuts, he argues that investing in skills, education and employment support would prevent long-term economic inactivity while improving productivity.The proposals align closely with recommendations from former Labour minister Alan Milburn, whose review into youth inactivity concluded that local authorities should take greater responsibility for supporting young people into work because fragmented national programmes are failing too many communities.
Can Burnham deliver his vision?
Burnham insists his programme can deliver stronger economic growth while remaining within Labour’s existing fiscal rules.His office says the blueprint is designed to “lift Britain back up” by changing the country’s model of governance rather than relying on large increases in public spending. Supporters, including Housing Secretary Steve Reed, say Burnham remains committed to Labour’s fiscal discipline while pursuing more ambitious regional growth policies.However, critics argue that devolving powers alone will not solve Britain’s deeper economic challenges. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has questioned whether Burnham’s proposals provide sufficient detail on funding and called for greater parliamentary scrutiny of his plans, while political opponents have challenged whether such sweeping reforms can be delivered during a period of tight public finances.If implemented, Burnham’s programme would represent one of England’s most ambitious devolution agendas in recent years, transferring greater responsibility for housing, transport, education, skills and economic investment away from Westminster and into the hands of regional leaders. Whether the blueprint ultimately becomes government policy will depend on political backing over the coming weeks, but it has already placed devolution, regional growth and local decision-making at the heart of Britain’s economic debate.
