In a bold move that could redefine the very fabric of British politics, Andy Burnham has unveiled ambitious plans to establish 'No 10 North', a powerful entity tasked with devolving significant power and resources across the UK. With Sir Keir Starmer's departure as Labour leader now confirmed, Mr Burnham sees an opportunity to shake up the Westminster system, which he believes is "broken" and incapable of improving living standards or restoring public trust.
Speaking at Manchester's People's History Museum, Mr Burnham outlined three core objectives for No 10 North's devolution agenda. These include expanding public ownership of essential services such as water, energy, and housing; driving reindustrialisation across various regions; and regenerating neglected towns, with a focus on areas that have suffered economic decline. This comprehensive programme would also involve the largest council housebuilding initiative since the post-war period.
Mr Burnham's administration would instruct Whitehall departments to prioritise British firms in public contracts, even if this entails a higher cost to taxpayers. In a bid to address public frustration with rising costs, he hinted at introducing a cost of living support package swiftly after entering office, promising "some breathing space" while reassuring adherence to sound public finances.
Reflecting on the perceived failure of his generation to tackle the nation's challenges, Mr Burnham stressed the urgency of a "new determination to raise living standards" and to fundamentally alter the political landscape. He reiterated his commitment to fiscal responsibility, aiming to reassure markets despite previous comments about the UK being "in hock" to bond markets.
As speculation mounts over cabinet appointments, particularly the Chancellor, Mr Burnham has announced he will not reveal key positions until closer to assuming power. Instead, he expressed a desire to build a "broad church" within Labour and seek common ground with other parties to advance his ten-year vision for change. He criticised Whitehall's long-standing "adversarial" nature, suggesting departments had wasted time in internal conflicts.