Andy Burnham, widely expected to become the next prime minister, will set out an ambitious economic plan on Monday that aims to devolve power to regional mayors as a strategy to reduce the UK's growing welfare bill and increase employment. The Makerfield MP and Labour leadership frontrunner will deliver a speech outlining his vision for a decade of Labour government, pledging to 'rewire' Britain's economy by providing it with the 'circuit-breaker it needs'.
Key Proposals: Devolution and 'No 10 North'
The flagship proposal includes creating a 'No 10 in the North' and pursuing 'good growth in every postcode', which allies describe as the largest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times. Burnham will call for decision-making to be pushed back into local communities as part of his vision to 'lift Britain back up'. He is expected to commit to public procurement reform centred on 'buying British' to revive industry and secure more 'social value' through work placements and apprenticeships.
Education Reforms and Welfare Focus
Education reforms will aim for 'true parity' between academic and technical routes, a balance that outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also sought. Burnham will propose giving regional mayors more control over social housing, welfare, and post-16 education to boost economic growth, according to The Times. He has discussed with Alan Milburn, who is reviewing unemployment among 16-to-24-year-olds, the idea of local leaders playing a stronger role in helping young people get off benefits.
Background and Political Context
A long-standing proponent of devolution, Burnham served as a minister and on the Opposition frontbench before becoming Greater Manchester mayor in 2017. In his book Head North, co-authored with fellow mayor Steve Rotheram, he criticised the current system where regional leaders go 'on bended knee' to Westminster and called for a 'more balanced approach, where councils and mayors were dealt some cards too'. Burnham is currently the only candidate in the Labour leadership election, meaning he could enter Downing Street exactly three weeks after Monday's speech.
