Andy Burnham will deliver a landmark speech on Monday pledging to rewire Britain and return power to local communities after what he describes as 14 years of Tory neglect. In his first major economic address, the Makerfield MP is set to declare that devolution will be “at the heart of Downing Street” as he positions himself for an expected coronation as Prime Minister.
Devolution-First Agenda
Speaking in Manchester, Burnham will outline a “devolution-first” agenda across Whitehall, granting new powers and funding to mayors to tackle regional issues. One key proposal includes allowing combined authorities to retain 100% of any increase in business rates they generate, aiming to attract investment into their areas. A source familiar with the speech told this newspaper: “He wants a place first approach with placing people at the heart of things. He wants to see a decade of rewiring Britain.”
Rewiring Politics for Working People
The source added: “It's about rewiring Britain to work better for the communities that he feels have been neglected or overlooked. Devolution will be at the heart of his agenda. Devolution will be at the heart of Downing Street, with more powers for communities that have been overlooked, more powers for mayors. It’s about rewiring politics to work for working people. This is like a rebalancing after 14 years of neglect for these communities.”
Burnham has previously urged Whitehall to remove its “bias against the North” to achieve economic growth. The source described the speech as Burnham’s “reintroduction to the country” and a chance to demonstrate his values. “He wants to show the public that he recognises that politics and the economic model and culture that we exist within at the minute that underpins the society is broken,” the source said.
Recognising Past Failures
The source continued: “He recognises his generation of politicians haven't met the moment and that we haven't been good enough and that things need to change. This is a real moment for change. This is his pitch to the country, but it's also about recognizing politics isn't working, hasn't met the bar and isn't good enough for the moment that we're in.”
Economic Policies and Chancellor Speculation
Burnham has not yet named his choice for Chancellor to deliver his economic vision, though former Labour leader Ed Miliband has been linked to the role. Current Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently urged Burnham to “stick to what I'm doing” ahead of an expected demotion. Burnham has stated that Labour’s manifesto pledges not to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT will remain if he becomes PM. Last year, he supported taxing speculative landlords who leave high street properties empty and backed taxing warehouses of firms like Amazon. He has also urged the Chancellor to consider a wealth tax.
Support from Regional Leaders
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram backed Burnham in a newspaper article, writing: “I’ve known Andy Burnham for a long time. We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder through campaigns, rows with governments of different colours, and more than a few battles for the North. He knows that people want politicians who listen – and then act. That’s why I think he could unite progressive voters, while also winning back people who have drifted away from us. Not through the politics of gimmicks or grievance but by offering a commodity that has been in short supply for far too long: hope.”
Burnham co-authored the book Head North with Rotheram, arguing that the current system forces regional leaders to go “on bended knee” to Westminster and calling for a more balanced approach where councils and mayors hold more power.
Social Media Success
Burnham’s team claims they are finally winning the social media campaign against Nigel Farage, with pro-Burnham content outperforming Farage’s. They report that Burnham has enjoyed double the number of views on Facebook this week, with ten million views between Monday and Friday. A spokesperson said: “Andy is taking a different approach to social media which is more conversational and less staged, and the public seems to be responding positively.”
