In a major speech delivered in Manchester, incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham set out his top priorities for government, as he is widely expected to replace Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street. The address outlined seven key promises aimed at reshaping the UK's political and economic landscape.
Massive Council House Building Programme
Mr Burnham pledged the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period. He stated: “We will use public land, vacant public land, to reduce costs.” This initiative aims to address the housing crisis by significantly increasing the supply of affordable homes.
Public Control of Water and Energy
Mr Burnham promised to give local or regional leaders, such as mayors, “public control of essential services like water, housing, energy, and transport.” This would mark a significant shift towards regional public ownership of key utilities.
Establishment of 'Number 10 North'
To redistribute power away from London, Mr Burnham announced the creation of a “Number 10 North” in the North of England. He said: “No 10 North will be the nerve centre of a rewired Britain. It will be the conduit through which we redistribute power and resources across the UK.” He added that Whitehall would be forced to give up power to regions and nations, declaring: “The days of Whitehall fighting the devolution of power into the regions and nations are over for good.”
Fiscal Responsibility and 'Breathing Space'
Mr Burnham pledged to give Britain “breathing space” against rising costs while not “taking risks with the public finances.” He promised “the stability that comes from sound public finances” and adherence to “the discipline of our current fiscal rules,” implying a commitment to controlled borrowing.
'Buy British' Policy for Public Contracts
Public services and organisations will be required to prioritise British firms when spending taxpayers' money. Mr Burnham said: “Every pound raised from taxpayers will work harder for them, and that approach will apply fully to the defence investment plan. We will make sure that all eligible public contracts are subject to proper social value weighting and we will do that to make sure British-based companies are in a better position to win those contracts.”
Economic Growth Across the Country
He promised “a more streamlined state with a clearer purpose to power up all parts of the country and put a laser-like focus on growth and regeneration, good growth.” This includes driving economic development beyond London and the South East.
Youth Employment and Education Reform
Highlighting high unemployment among 16-to-24-year-olds, Mr Burnham vowed to end “the days of a school system configured entirely around the university route.” He stated: “University is great for those who want it, but when are we going to focus on the life chances of those kids who want something different? The country hasn't done that for a long, long time. People have argued over many years for an education system based on parity between academic and technical, and that is what we will build, giving every young person growing up here a clear path into a reindustrialised Britain.”
