Andy Burnham delivered a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester, outlining what he described as 'radical change' for the country. The presumptive Labour leader, who is set to enter No 10 in three weeks, proposed a significant rebalancing of power through an ambitious devolution programme.
Key proposals: 'No 10 North' and devolution
Burnham called for the 'biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen', with an 'extended operation' of No 10 Downing Street based in Manchester, dubbed 'No 10 North'. This office would serve as the 'nerve centre of a rewired Britain', focusing on growth and regeneration, including a major increase in council house construction. The front row of the audience included fellow Labour mayors, who would gain new powers under his plans.
What Burnham avoided
Burnham did not take questions from the media after his speech, leaving journalists without the chance to grill him on key issues. He declined to discuss Cabinet appointments, joking that people should 'feel free to discount the wild speculation in circulation' and that decisions would be announced 'until the end of the process'. He also avoided any mention of immigration, a top concern for voters, though he is known to support Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's reforms.
Contrast with Starmer
Burnham's call for 'radical change' marked a stark contrast with outgoing leader Keir Starmer, who told the reporter six months ago that he was 'fed up' with politicians using that phrase. Starmer had warned that 'Liz Truss thought she'd have a radical change by taking no notice of the financial institutions that create stability' and that 'everybody paid the price'. Burnham, however, argued that 'Westminster and Whitehall are set up for conflict, and they require radical change if the country is to get back on track.'
Reception and next steps
The speech was well-received by the supportive crowd, but critics noted a lack of detail on specific policies. Burnham's vision for a 'more streamlined state' with a 'laser-like focus on growth' remains to be fleshed out. As he heads to London to meet more MPs, the challenge now is turning his radical rhetoric into concrete action.
