THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Steve Reed backs Andy Burnham’s plans to ‘go further and faster’ on devolution By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed (Jonathan Brady/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Steve Reed has backed Andy Burnham’s plans to “go further and faster” on devolution, which the minister said would build on the “fantastic start” made by Sir Keir Starmer’s Government. The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary will set out his achievements on tackling regional inequalities in a Wednesday speech, which he denied was a pitch to remain in the post after Mr Burnham is expected to enter Downing Street. He praised the prospective prime minister’s pledge to transfer power and money out of Whitehall and into the regions, driven by a new “No 10 North” based in Manchester. “This Government has made a fantastic start, but Andy has made clear he wants to go further and faster, and I fully support that Speaking to the Press Association on Tuesday, M…

Steve Reed backs Andy Burnham’s plans to ‘go further and faster’ on devolution By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed (Jonathan Brady/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Steve Reed has backed Andy Burnham’s plans to “go further and faster” on devolution, which the minister said would build on the “fantastic start” made by Sir Keir Starmer’s Government. The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary will set out his achievements on tackling regional inequalities in a Wednesday speech, which he denied was a pitch to remain in the post after Mr Burnham is expected to enter Downing Street. He praised the prospective prime minister’s pledge to transfer power and money out of Whitehall and into the regions, driven by a new “No 10 North” based in Manchester. “This Government has made a fantastic start, but Andy has made clear he wants to go further and faster, and I fully support that Speaking to the Press Association on Tuesday, M…

Andy Burnham pledges to bring back 'hope' as he lays out 10-year plan ... Nigel Farage delivers blunt verdict on Andy Burnham's 10-year plan WATCH NOW: Andy Burnham tells supporters in Manchester that 'Westminster is broken' GB NEWS BySusanna Siddell, Published: 29/06/2026 Updated: 29/06/2026 The MP promised the 'biggest rebalancing of power we have ever seen' Andy Burnham has set out his radical plan to "rewire Britain" in a speech pitching for 10 years as Prime Minister. The Labour leadership frontrunner vowed to "lift Britain back up to where we all want it to be" and "give the nation the circuit-breaker it needs" if he became party leader. Speaking from Manchester, Mr Burnham outlined plans for the "biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times" in a wider regional power-sharing arrangement in a major shake-up. Since the financial crash, Westminster is "not working" and has left the UK "stuck in a rut", the Makerfield MP said, adding it left politicians resorting to "finger-pointing political point-scoring". Instead, he called for the "broadest possible coalition of people to lift Britain back up to where we all want it to be". He said: "The time has c…

Andy Burnham’s 7 promises as major speech reveals what he’ll do as … Andy Burnham declares Westminster 'broken' in speech Andy Burnham has just delivered a speech in Manchester where he set out his plans for Government, if he becomes Prime Minister. It looks almost certain that Mr Burnham will replace Sir Keir Starmer in 10 Downing Street. Today, he revealed his top priorities once he takes over. They include: Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT More council housing Mr Burnham promised the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period. He said: “We will use public land, vacant public land, to reduce costs.” Politics LIVE: Andy Burnham sparks outrage as he walks off stage without facing questions Reform UK announces candidate for crunch Greater Manchester mayoral election Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more Subscribe Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy Andy Burnham delivering the speech in Manchester (…

Steve Reed backs Andy Burnham’s plans to ‘go further and faster’ on devolution By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed (Jonathan Brady/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Steve Reed has backed Andy Burnham’s plans to “go further and faster” on devolution, which the minister said would build on the “fantastic start” made by Sir Keir Starmer’s Government. The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary will set out his achievements on tackling regional inequalities in a Wednesday speech, which he denied was a pitch to remain in the post after Mr Burnham is expected to enter Downing Street. He praised the prospective prime minister’s pledge to transfer power and money out of Whitehall and into the regions, driven by a new “No 10 North” based in Manchester. “This Government has made a fantastic start, but Andy has made clear he wants to go further and faster, and I fully support that Speaking to the Press Association on Tuesday, M…

England’s mayors should be given sweeping new powers, says devolution expert <p>Exclusive: Burnham-aligned thinktank calls for devolution of public services including social care, childcare and skills</p><p>Mayors should be given power over a wide range of public services, including social care, childcare and skills, according to a paper written by one of the people helping shape Andy Burnham’s devolution plans.</p><p>JP Spencer, the head of devolution policy at the thinktank ThinkLabour, calls for mayors to take control over large parts of service provision in a paper that gives an indication of how the probable next prime minister could seek to shift power out of Whitehall.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/02/england-mayors-sweeping-new-powers-devolution-expert">Continue reading...</a>

Celtic leaders doubt Burnham’s devolution drive will go beyond England’s borders <p>Would-be prime minister has made basic missteps in pitches to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland</p><p>Andy Burnham’s devolution promises are yet to impress sceptical Celtic administrations hoping for a reset with Westminster, sources in Cardiff and Edinburgh have said.</p><p>Burnham, who is expected to take over from Keir Starmer as prime minister on 20 July, has made much of his support for the devolution of power and resources in England, pledging in an agenda-setting speech last week to make a new “No 10 North” the “nerve centre of a rewired Britain”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/06/celtic-leaders-burnham-devolution-wales-scotland-northern-ireland">Continue reading...</a>

PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham lays out plan to fix 'broken' British politics Andy Burnham, the British MP tipped to replace the outgoing prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, promised "radical change" to the nation's "broken" political system as he laid out his vision to lead the country on Monday.

UK’s prime minister-in-waiting vows to shake up politics Andy Burnham, Britain’s likely next leader, vowed to enact radical change to the nation’s politics during a speech.

Burnham promises to ease cost of living pressures if he becomes prime minister <p>Makerfield MP said he would consider reducing business rates as part of a package that could also include freeze on private rents</p><p>Andy Burnham promised to ease the cost of living if he becomes prime minister in his first interview since returning to parliament.</p><p>The Makerfield MP told LBC that if he became prime minister later this month, as expected, he would look at reducing business rates for some high street businesses, bringing down water and energy costs by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/13/andy-burnham-public-control-essentials-water-energy">de-privatising companies</a> and making bus travel free for 16- to 18-year-olds.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/02/burnham-promises-to-ease-cost-of-living-pressures-if-he-becomes-prime-minister">Continue reading...</a>

Likely next PM Andy Burnham vows UK's 'biggest' decentralisation of ... MANCHESTER, June 29 — The frontrunner to become Britain’s next prime minister, Andy Burnham, vowed in a keynote speech today to “bring about the biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen” if he succeeds Keir Starmer. Burnham, currently the only candidate to replace Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister, pledged to devolve greater powers to regional mayors, including in Manchester where until recently he was in charge. “I am going to give Britain the circuit breaker it needs,” Burnham told an invited audience in the northwest English city, pledging to put power “in the hands of the people and places who can use it best”. “We need a new determination to raise living standards of every single person in this land,” he added. “And we must accept that to do that, to fix the economy and the country, we need to change politics and we need to do it now.” Delivering his speech from a Manchester museum, Burnham described Britain as “one of the most over-centralised countries in the world”. Should the veteran Labour politician continue to face no challengers to become prime minister, the former ministe…

What does Andy Burnham stand for? | The Week Andy Burnham at his campaign launch in Ashton-in-Makerfield (Image credit: Ryan Jenkinson / Getty Images) Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Whatsapp Pinterest Share this article Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Andy Burnham will today outline plans for a major redistribution of political power away from Whitehall as he prepares for an expected move into Downing Street. In his first major address since returning to Westminster via the Makerfield by-election, Burnham is set to argue that stronger local decision-making is essential to boosting economic prosperity across the UK. The former Greater Manchester mayor is expected to propose transferring additional responsibilities and funding to regional authorities, potentially including greater control over some tax revenues. In his address today, Burnham is expected to say that his government will deliver “good growth in every postcode” and “lift Britain back up to where it should be”. Burnham’s 10-year plan to raise living standards is nothing short of “radical”, said The Independent . The Week Escape your echo c…

Steve Reed backs Andy Burnham’s plans to ‘go further and faster’ on devolution By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed (Jonathan Brady/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Steve Reed has backed Andy Burnham’s plans to “go further and faster” on devolution, which the minister said would build on the “fantastic start” made by Sir Keir Starmer’s Government. The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary will set out his achievements on tackling regional inequalities in a Wednesday speech, which he denied was a pitch to remain in the post after Mr Burnham is expected to enter Downing Street. He praised the prospective prime minister’s pledge to transfer power and money out of Whitehall and into the regions, driven by a new “No 10 North” based in Manchester. “This Government has made a fantastic start, but Andy has made clear he wants to go further and faster, and I fully support that Speaking to the Press Association on Tuesday, M…

The challenges ahead for Andy Burnham as PM-in-waiting prepares for ... Andy Burnham arrived in Westminster last week to a heady atmosphere. Hot off his emphatic win in Makerfield, he received a warm reception from Labour MPs who crowded into Parliament's Westminster Hall to welcome him as a Prime Minister in waiting. But as the heatwave recedes, the political reality is setting in. Burnham and his small team have just over three weeks to firm up a programme for Government, to decide on his Cabinet, to staff a new No10 and to build a comms operation. He is being inundated with ideas from MPs, trade unions and think tanks, all battling for his attention, while ministers jostle to keep their jobs. ‌ For now he is the most popular man in Westminster. But how long he can hold onto that title depends on what he does next. READ MORE : Andy Burnham's devolution revolution pledge for more local powers to 'rewire Britain' READ MORE : Andy Burnham must act 'almost like wartime PM' with 'Moscow test' for plans says ex-military chief View 4 Images Andy Burnham was met by scores of Labour MPs as he arrived in Parliament as the new MP for Makerfield (Image: Getty Images) On Monday, we will get …

Andy Burnham tax policy: possible tax changes after No.10 Updated 07.07.26 Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation has paved the way for the seventh UK Prime Minister in a decade. Newly elected MP for Makerfield, Andy Burnham, remains the only candidate to replace him. What will that mean for UK taxation? The autumn budget will be due within a few of months of the new Prime Minister taking office, and perhaps we will have a new Chancellor by then too. Andy Burnham has said that he will work to the Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto if he takes office. As wait to see how the situation develops, we take a look at his previous comments on tax and summarise his views. Income taxMr Burnham has previously repeatedly ruled out increases to the basic, higher and additional rates for most taxpayers, but has suggested a return of the 50p additional rate for the highest earners. He has also spoken about reducing the tax burden on lower earners through a higher personal allowance and/or the reintroduction of a 10p starting rate of income tax. National InsuranceHe has criticised increases in employer National Insurance contributions and has indicated he would seek to reverse or soften them, particularl…

Andy Burnham vows to set up No 10 North as ‘nerve centre of rewired Britain’ <p>UK’s likely next PM says Westminster system is ‘broken’ and he will oversee a devolution of power and resources</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jun/29/andy-burnham-devolution-speech-keir-starmer-labour-latest-news-updates">UK politics live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Andy Burnham will set up No 10 North as the “nerve centre of a rewired Britain” to oversee a devolution of power and resources across the UK that he said would deliver the change the country desperately needed.</p><p>The prime minister-in-waiting said the Westminster system was “broken” and that a “more of the same” approach would neither improve living standards or restore people’s faith in how politics worked for them.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/29/andy-burnham-no-10-north-nerve-centre-rewired-britain">Continue reading...</a>

What would Andy Burnham as Prime Minister do to the UK economy? News | Politics What would Andy Burnham as Prime Minister do to the UK economy? One of the biggest concerns for the financial markets will be who will take up the role of Chancellor under a new Cabinet Anna Wise 6 days ago Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation paves the way for a new leader following Andy Burnham ’s landslide victory in Friday's Makerfield by-election. Sir Keir anticipates there will be a new Prime Minister in office before parliament returns in September, with Mr Burnham widely considered the frontrunner to take over. Some of the most important questions for the City are around Mr Burnham’s potential economic agenda, particularly his approach to taxes, borrowing, and spending, alongside his choice for Chancellor. Here’s how the leadership change might affect the UK economy and the financial markets. What has Andy Burnham said about economic policy? Mr Burnham has said that he would stick to the fiscal rules set by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and has agreed that the UK needs a plan to reduce its debts. This implies that he does not want to spook the country’s bond markets by indicating that, at least in the sho…

Andy Burnham says Labour manifesto has room for ‘movement on tax’ – UK politics live <p>The Labour MP hinted that he’s open to flexibility for some taxes that could aid high street businesses</p><p>Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of UK politics.</p><p><strong>Andy Burnham</strong>, the lead contender to succeed prime minister Keir Starmer, has hinted at some of his tax proposals as he draws up plans to revitalise Britain’s high streets.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jul/03/andy-burnham-says-labour-manifesto-has-room-for-movement-on-tax-uk-politics-live">Continue reading...</a>

Andy Burnham picks Greater Manchester CEO to oversee devolution of power at No 10 North <p>Caroline Simpson worked closely with Burnham when he was Greater Manchester mayor</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jun/29/andy-burnham-devolution-speech-keir-starmer-labour-latest-news-updates">UK politics live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Andy Burnham has asked the current chief executive of the Greater Manchester combined authority to be his deputy chief of staff, leading the new No 10 North, if as expected he becomes prime minister in three weeks’ time.</p><p>Caroline Simpson, who worked closely with Burnham when he was mayor, will be based in Manchester to oversee the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/29/andy-burnham-no-10-north-nerve-centre-rewired-britain">devolution of power and resources across the UK that he promised</a> would transform the country.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/29/andy-burnham-picks-greater-manchester-ceo-to-oversee-devolution-of-power-at-no-10-north">Continue reading...</a>

UK's likely next leader Burnham to unveil plan to shift power from London Published byGlobal Banking & Finance Review Posted on June 28, 2026 · Last updated: June 29, 2026 By Andy Bruce and Elizabeth Piper MANCHESTER, England, June 29 (Reuters) - Andy Burnham, Britain's prime minister-in-waiting, vowed on Monday to deliver radical change to the nation's politics by handing more power to its regions and encouraging collaboration over argument in a 10-year mission to spur "good" growth. In a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester, "one of my favourite places on earth", Burnham offered some detail of his plans if, as expected, he becomes Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade as soon as July 20. Promising Britain's "biggest rebalancing of power", he said he would build more social housing, give local governments more control over water and other utilities and take on a cost-of-living crisis, all while sticking to the current government's fiscal rules. To standing ovations, Burnham again said his blueprint would be based on his work as Greater Manchester mayor in northwestern England, where his focus on delivering promises meant getting businesses, local pol…

PM-in-waiting wants to give away power to fix broken Britain World Europe UK politics Print article Andrew Tillett Europe correspondent Updated Jun 30, 2026 – 12.08pm , first published at 7.31am London | Britain’s leader-in-waiting Andy Burnham has outlined a radical shake-up of prime ministerial power by handing more authority to local mayors and diminishing the bureaucratic control of London. Burnham, expected to become Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade on July 20, used his first major speech since returning to parliament to also pledge greater state intervention in markets and public services, an economic blueprint that risks being seen as a throwback to 1970s -style stagnation. Loading... Save Log in or Subscribe to save article Share Copy link Copied Email LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Copy link Copied Share via... Gift this article Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Subscribe now Already a subscriber? Login License article Read More UK politics Andy Burnham Keir Starmer Analysis UK Trump diplomacy Margaret Thatcher Fetching latest articles

Burnham sets out vision to transform Britain and fix ‘broken’ system <p>Expected next prime minister focuses on restoring faith in politics, cost of living and devolution in major speech</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/29/what-is-andy-burnhams-economic-and-political-blueprint-for-britain">What is Andy Burnham’s economic and political blueprint for Britain?</a></p></li></ul><p>Andy Burnham has set out his blueprint to transform the UK with a promise to improve living standards and restore faith in politics through the “biggest rebalancing of power our country has ever seen”.</p><p>The person widely expected to be the next prime minister said the current system was “broken” and that “more of the same” would not be enough to tackle the significant challenges faced by the country.</p><p>A long-term ambition of greater public control of essential services such as water, housing, energy and transport to help curb the cost of living.</p><p>A No 10 North hub to oversee the distribution of power and resources from Whitehall across the country, which <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/29/andy-burnham-picks-greater-manchester-ceo-to-ov…

How Andy Burnham may try to give the UK economy a boost in his '10‑year ... Burnham giving his first major policy speech in Manchester. Alamy/AP/Alastair Grant Andy Burnham’s long held ambition to be the UK’s prime minister will come with some daunting economic challenges. Productivity growth is at a virtual standstill, real incomes have stagnated and the cost-of-living crisis has become a permanent fixture for many households. Meanwhile, the government spends around £110 billion a year paying the interest on nearly £3 trillion of debt. Burnham says he is on a “10-year mission” to transform the country. So what might he do to try to fix the British economy? One thing that voters can reasonably expect is a move towards greater devolution of power – especially spending power – to the English metro regions. As mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham often argued that too many economic decisions were made in London, and that this held the rest of the country back. Burnham believes that allowing other regions to implement their own locally led pro-growth policies could transform Britain’s economic prospects. It’s a view shared by one of his key economic advisers, Jim O'Neill , who has lon…

Andy Burnham: what to expect from the UK's likely next prime minister Adam Vaughan/EPA Resigning as UK prime minster and leader of the Labour party, Keir Starmer said he accepted, “with good grace”, that the party does not think he is best placed to lead them into the next general election. Following the election of Andy Burnham in Makerfield, it’s also clear who most Labour MPs want to replace him. It’s now more than possible that “King of the North” could be invited by the real king (Charles) to form a new government within weeks. This momentous situation begs two questions: what is Andy Burnham actually about in terms of plans, priorities and personality? And, what are the main challenges that may well trip him up? There are two distinct levels to Project Andy: Manchesterism and Burnhamism. The former encompasses his policy vision , revolving around the notion of “business friendly socialism” and place-based politics. Manchester’s integrated Bee Network of integrated public transport has been held up as an example of the city’s positive and optimistic political economy under Burnham’s leadership. Read more: Andy Burnham: what has made the king of the north so popular? On a nat…

What is Andy Burnham’s economic and political blueprint for Britain? <p>Plans include greater regional power, public ownership of utilities and the end of trickle-down economics </p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/29/andy-burnham-no-10-north-nerve-centre-rewired-britain">Andy Burnham vows to set up No 10 North as ‘nerve centre of rewired Britain’</a></p></li></ul><p>Andy Burnham’s speech at the People’s History Museum in Manchester was the first time we saw the man likely to be Britain’s next prime minister set out his vision for power.</p><p>He promised “good growth in every postcode” in a speech that focused on a significant transfer of power out of Whitehall to local communities and a new economic vision. But what might this mean in practice?</p><p>It will be about offering new opportunities to extend devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by taking power deeper down.</p><p><em>They require radical change if the country is to get back on track.</em></p><p><em>All parts of the UK should now be given the chance to develop … focusing on the things that most matter to them.</em></p><p><em>We will ensure all parts of the UK are able to t…

UK’s Andy Burnham, nation’s likely next leader, promises ‘number 10 north’ Andy Burnham, Britain’s presumptive next prime minister, has set out details giving more powers to local government as part of a plan to spread wealth and economic growth. Saying Westminster “is not working” and is “broken”, he set out a sweeping economic vision in a key speech from Manchester – where he was mayor for nine years – to bring voters, colleagues and financial markets up to speed with his ideas during his rapid progress towards power. He set out a 10-year vision for “good growth in...

Andy Burnham to propose devolution plan in first major policy speech since launching bid for No 10 – UK politics live <p>Makerfield MP and hopeful prime minister to pledge ‘growth in every postcode’ </p><p>Good morning. When Keir Starmer became PM, he had published his missions and his first steps, Labour was awash with policy, but some people still felt it was hard to know what his driving motivation was, what was the single big goal he wanted to achieve in politics. <strong>Andy Burnham</strong> is set to become PM three weeks today and in his case it is easy to answer this question is because he published a book about it in early 2024 with Steve Rotheram, the Liverpool city region mayor, called <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/apr/07/head-north-by-andy-burnham-and-steve-rotheram-review-a-rallying-cry-for-a-more-equal-britain">Head North</a>. They argue that the north of England has lost out because power in the UK is hoarded in the south and they propose a huge rebalancing, achieved by the devolution of decision making and spending away from London, building on some of the work they had been able to achieve as metro mayors.</p><p>Anyone curious as to what Burnham…

Why Andy Burnham's Plans for the U.K. Have Earned Mixed Reactions Westminster “is broken,” said Andy Burnham , as he laid out his policy plans in his first major speech since announcing his bid to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. If Burnham’s planned leadership bid remains unchallenged, he’s likely to become Britain’s next leader on July 20, and he already has big ideas for structural change. Speaking Monday from Manchester, where he served as mayor until he returned to Westminster last week, Burnham vowed to bring about the “biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen.” Burnham presented his vision for a paradigm shift in British politics with devolution at the center of his plans for economic growth, public housing reform, industrial policy, and education. “I am going to give Britain the circuit breaker it needs, by building a more collaborative politics in Westminster, by taking power out of the center and putting it in the hands of the people and places who can use it best,” he said . “The days of Whitehall fighting the devolution [of] power into the regions and nations are over for good.” Introducing "No. 10 North" One of Burnham’s core proposals is the introduct…

Burnham to create ‘No. 10 North’ as U.K. PM, oversee massive decentralisation Mr. Burnham said he would “build the broadest possible coalition of people to lift Britain back up”

Andy Burnham's devolution revolution pledge for more local powers to ... Andy Burnham's devolution revolution pledge for more local powers to 'rewire Britain' EXCLUSIVE: The Makerfield MP will pledge devolution will be 'at the heart of Downing Street', as he sets out his vision for Britain ahead of an expected coronation as Prime Minister Comments News Alexander Brown Assistant Political Editor and Ashley Cowburn Deputy Political Editor 16:47, 27 Jun 2026 Updated 07:22, 28 Jun 2026 View 2 Images Andy Burnham will deliver a landmark speech on Monday (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire) Andy Burnham will pledge to rewire Britain and give power back to communities after 14 years of Tory neglect in his first economic speech. ‌ In an address in Manchester on Monday, the Makerfield MP will pledge devolution will be “at the heart of Downing Street”, as he sets out his stall ahead of an expected coronation as PM. ‌ He is also expected to set out plans for a “devolution-first” agenda across Whitehall, with new powers and funding for mayors to tackle issues in their areas. ‌ This could include allowing combined authorities to keep 100% of any increase in business rates that they generate to attract…

Andy Burnham speech live: PM-in-waiting announces No10 of the North in ... Comments News Sophie Huskisson Political Correspondent , Liam Doyle and Lizzy Buchan Political Editor Andy Burnham has vowed to spread power throughout the UK while promising to lead a 10-year mission to drive up living standards in his first major speech since returning to Westminster. He began by focusing on a radical bid to take power out of Westminster, saying: "We will make politics work for you and the place where you live" and added that "to make it happen we will bring about the biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen." To that end, he announced plans to extend the Prime Minister's office to Manchester saying: "No10 North will be the nerve centre of a re-wired Britain." His vision includes launching "Good Growth Funds" at a national level to encourage manufacturing and British industry, plus the "biggest council housing programme since the post-war era". The PM hopeful is widely expected to enter Downing Street on July 20 as the prospect of a rival leadership bid fades. With only weeks to go, he is setting out his agenda, beginning with this morning's highly-anticipated speech in Mancheste…

Andy Burnham is a gifted showman – but devolution is not a magic wand | The Independent I t was not quite John Lennon, but Andy Burnham’s invitation for Britain to “imagine good growth in every postcode, hope in every heart” was a lyrical flourish the prime minister presumptive was so pleased with, he repeated it. His vision was almost as ambitious as Lennon’s dream of world peace. Speaking at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, wearing what he termed his “Manchester clothes” (smart dark casual), he proudly declared : “This is Manchesterism.” Manchesterism is certainly radical. According to its progenitor , it is nothing less than a 10-year mission to bring “the biggest change in our lifetimes to the way the country is run”, with a council house or flat to all who need one, a reindustrialised and “rewired” British economy, a “No 10 North” tasked with driving forward wide-ranging constitutional reforms to transform the UK. He promised the “biggest council house programme since the war” – implying not just the 1.5 million units total (private and public) pledged by Sir Keir Starmer but exceeding the 425,000 peak of annual construction reached in the 1960s. At one point he sou…

Steve Reed backs Andy Burnham’s plans to ‘go further and faster’ on devolution By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed (Jonathan Brady/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Steve Reed has backed Andy Burnham’s plans to “go further and faster” on devolution, which the minister said would build on the “fantastic start” made by Sir Keir Starmer’s Government. The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary will set out his achievements on tackling regional inequalities in a Wednesday speech, which he denied was a pitch to remain in the post after Mr Burnham is expected to enter Downing Street. He praised the prospective prime minister’s pledge to transfer power and money out of Whitehall and into the regions, driven by a new “No 10 North” based in Manchester. “This Government has made a fantastic start, but Andy has made clear he wants to go further and faster, and I fully support that Speaking to the Press Association on Tuesday, M…

Andy Burnham outlines his vision for UK economy with promise to raise living standards Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is likely to be the next British prime minister following Keir Starmer's resignation. Central to Burnham's platform is improving living standards that have stagnated or even fallen since the 2008 global financial crisis. But with weak public finances, how realistic is his plan? FRANCE 24's Charles Pellegrin talks to Renaud Foucart, senior lecturer in economics at Lancaster University.

What would Andy Burnham do if he becomes Prime Minister? Photo: Andy Burnham for Makerfield Share this article: Prospective leadership contender and newly-elected MP for Makerfield Andy Burnham has already begun to set out his vision for the country if he is successful in following Keir Starmer into Downing Street. From nationalising Thames Water to electoral reform and hiking defence spending through borrowing, LabourList has taken a closer look at the policy platform outlined by Burnham should he succeed Starmer in Downing Street. Economy and taxation Increase in income tax allowance On his Question Time appearance earlier this month, Burnham hinted that he would raise the personal allowance for income tax to ease the tax burden on working people. He said: “On the personal allowance, I’ve heard on so many doorsteps and I’ve said to my team let’s have a proper look at this and let’s develop a policy.” Review of NICs increase for employers In an interview with Newsnight, Burnham said he would reconsider the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions enacted in Labour’s first Budget in 2024. Burnham said: “I have said that I thought the weight of the burden of employer…

Andy Burnham to pledge ‘good growth in every postcode’ in devolution plan <p>Makerfield MP on course to be PM will argue for more decision-making in regions and communities as he sets out platform for government</p><p>Andy Burnham will pledge to deliver “good growth in every postcode” by overseeing a significant transfer of power out of Whitehall to local communities as he sets out his case to become the UK’s next prime minister.</p><p>In his first major speech since winning the Makerfield byelection, Burnham will argue for decision-making to be devolved to regions and communities to drive economic growth locally, replacing the current top-down national model.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/28/andy-burnham-to-pledge-good-growth-in-every-postcode-in-devolution-plan">Continue reading...</a>

Andy Burnham Set to Become PM: What It Means for UK Construction Andy Burnham Set to Become PM: What It Means for UK Construction 6/24/2026 06:30:00 am 0 Andy Burnham is not yet Prime Minister. But as of 24 June 2026, his rapid move from Greater Manchester politics back into Westminster has made his possible arrival at No. 10 one of the most important construction-sector questions in Britain. For UK construction, the significance is not only political. Burnham’s appeal is rooted in something the industry repeatedly asks for but rarely sees from national government: direct experience of housing pressure, transport reform, brownfield regeneration, regional investment and local delivery systems. That makes a potential Burnham premiership different from a normal leadership change. Construction would not simply be looking at a new Prime Minister with manifesto promises. It would be looking at a former mayor whose public record has been shaped by buses, brownfield land, housing targets, regeneration funds, public-private investment and the practical difficulty of turning local plans into actual projects. The construction relevance of Andy Burnham’s rise is clear: if he reaches No. 10, t…

Burnham outlines devolution plan as he promises 'circuit breaker' Prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham has laid out his plans for devolution in a speech promising to get the UK out of a “rut” with a 10-year mission to raise living standards. “The country isn’t where it should be; it is stuck in a rut. We clearly can’t go on like this . . . I am going to give Britain the circuit breaker it needs,” he told attendees in a speech in Manchester on Monday. The specialist UK player might yet prove an attractive acquisition UK financial services are resilient but competition is closing in, data shows Starmer resignation might divert attention from London climate week but won’t dent UK’s potential as green hub The UK’s high cost of debt will restrain the new prime minister in any tax hikes, as bank CEOs warn against penalising the industry The specialist UK player might yet prove an attractive acquisition UK financial services are resilient but competition is closing in, data shows Starmer resignation might divert attention from London climate week but won’t dent UK’s potential as green hub The UK’s high cost of debt will restrain the new prime minister in any tax hikes, as bank…

UK's PM-in-waiting pledges 'circuit breaker' to transform UK economy Andy Burnham, United Kingdom's prime minister-in-waiting, vowed on Monday to deliver radical change to the nation's politics, pledging to give away a chunk of his power b...

Tory grandee Michael Heseltine backs Andy Burnham’s No 10 North By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Lord Heseltine said a ‘No 10 in the North’ would be an ‘important gesture’ (PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Andy Burnham’s plan for a “No 10 in the North” is an “important gesture in the right direction”, leading devolution proponent Lord Heseltine has said. The Tory grandee, who was the first to call for directly elected mayors in 1991, said it could be “very beneficial” to “our entire economy” if the presumptive next prime minister delivered on the broad vision he set out on Monday. He described the former Greater Manchester mayor as “the manifestation of the dream” behind work by the Conservatives under Lord Cameron, together with Labour, to push power out of Whitehall. Mr Burnham, who looks set to enter Downing Street within weeks, used a speech on Monday to pledge to “rewire” the British state with greater decision-making handed to local leaders. Lord Heseltine said Andy Burnham’s prop…

Steve Reed backs Andy Burnham’s plans to ‘go further and faster’ on devolution By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed (Jonathan Brady/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Steve Reed has backed Andy Burnham’s plans to “go further and faster” on devolution, which the minister said would build on the “fantastic start” made by Sir Keir Starmer’s Government. The Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary will set out his achievements on tackling regional inequalities in a Wednesday speech, which he denied was a pitch to remain in the post after Mr Burnham is expected to enter Downing Street. He praised the prospective prime minister’s pledge to transfer power and money out of Whitehall and into the regions, driven by a new “No 10 North” based in Manchester. “This Government has made a fantastic start, but Andy has made clear he wants to go further and faster, and I fully support that Speaking to the Press Association on Tuesday, M…

UK's likely next leader Burnham commits to existing fiscal rules Andy Burnham, Britain’s prime minister-in-waiting, vowed on Monday to deliver radical change to the nation’s politics by handing more power to its regions and encouraging collaboration over argument in a 10-year mission to spur “good” growth. In a speech at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, “one of my favourite places on earth”, Burnham offered some detail of his plans if, as expected, he becomes Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade as soon as July 20. Promising Britain’s “biggest rebalancing of power”, he said he would build more social housing, give local governments more control over water and other utilities and take on a cost-of-living crisis, all while sticking to the current government’s fiscal rules. To standing ovations, Burnham again said his blueprint would be based on his work as Greater Manchester mayor in northwestern England, where his focus on delivering promises meant getting businesses, local politicians and community groupsinvolved. And in a pointed comment to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said he was stepping down last week, he said he would end “the business as usual” approach…