As Andy Burnham ramps up his bid for a potential Labour leadership role, his ambitious plans for a more devolved Britain are facing growing scepticism from leaders in Scotland and Wales. The Greater Manchester mayor's vision for a "No 10 North" as the hub of a rewired UK is being met with concerns that it prioritises English interests over those of the other nations.
Scottish government sources have expressed disappointment at what they see as Burnham's narrow focus on Manchester, which overlooks the distinct identities and devolved structures already in place in Scotland. Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts has warned that a continuation of "muscular unionism" would be detrimental to Wales, drawing parallels with Labour's decline in popularity in the nation.
Further complicating matters are perceived missteps in Burnham's public pronouncements, including an assertion that residents of Dundee and Bangor feel as distant from Holyrood and the Senedd as they do from Westminster – a claim that has sparked particular ire given these areas are strongholds for the SNP and Plaid Cymru respectively.
Burnham's article in The Scotsman was also widely criticised for inaccuracies regarding existing devolved powers, leading to questions about his understanding of the current constitutional landscape. His apparent shift on the Barnett formula has also caused dismay in Cardiff and Belfast, where calls for reform have long been made – particularly as it is often seen to disproportionately benefit Scotland.
Michelle O’Neill, the Sinn Féin First Minister of Northern Ireland, reflected a broader sentiment of disillusionment, stating that with Burnham's probable appointment, "the face might change, but the policy never does." She urged for fundamental changes to address underlying issues rather than temporary solutions. Internally, Labour is grappling with two distinct approaches to policy in Scotland and Wales: one advocating for direct engagement with local authorities, which some critics view as an anti-devolution move, and another seeking to complete unfinished devolution business such as justice, Crown Estate, and rail infrastructure in Wales.