As Andy Burnham positions himself for a potential future national leadership role, his political philosophy, dubbed 'Manchesterism', is drawing significant attention. This concept, which Burnham himself prefers to describe his outlook and record as Greater Manchester's metro-mayor since 2017, blends social democracy with a strong emphasis on regional devolution, robust municipal government, and close ties with the business community. Crucially, it advocates for public control, though not direct ownership, of vital services.
Burnham frames 'Manchesterism' as a contemporary and effective solution to the persistent issues of high inequality and sluggish growth that he attributes to the 1980s drive towards privatised economic power and an overcentralised Treasury. However, the term itself carries a historical irony; in the 19th century, 'Manchesterism' denoted the laissez-faire capitalism championed by figures like Richard Cobden and John Bright, who advocated for free markets and trade to ensure affordable goods and a more equitable society. This historical contrast has prompted some economic historians, particularly free-market liberals, to view Burnham's adoption of the term with mild annoyance.
Greater Manchester's recent economic performance offers some context to Burnham's vision. The city-region's economy has expanded at over 3% annually since 2015, a rate double that of the wider UK, with its skyline visibly transforming. This growth, however, has deep roots, predating Burnham's tenure. Key developments include the late 1980s opening of Manchester City Council to private-sector property investment, the extensive regeneration following the 1996 IRA bombing, and the 2014 devolution deal negotiated by then-council leader Richard Leese and chief executive Howard Bernstein with George Osborne, which established the city-region and mayoral position.
A signature achievement of Burnham's mayoralty has been the re-regulation of Greater Manchester's bus network, now known as the Bee Network. Under this system, the municipal authority operates a franchise model, controlling services, routes, and fares, which are capped at £2 for a single journey. This initiative has seen an increase in passenger numbers and improved customer satisfaction. Additionally, Burnham has overseen the attraction of approximately £2 billion in public and private investment through the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund, earmarked for the construction of 10,000 council and social homes by 2028, alongside various public-private industrial schemes.
While Burnham describes his philosophy as 'business-friendly socialism', the long-term success of Manchester has been underpinned by pragmatic local governance and an openness to private enterprise. The city's focus on attracting investment, fostering business clusters, and improving connectivity has facilitated what some describe as 'creative destruction', transforming old industrial areas into vibrant business hubs and drawing in higher value-added sectors. The question for the broader UK remains whether this regional approach can be successfully scaled and replicated to address national economic challenges.