Andy Burnham to propose devolution plan in first major policy speech since launching bid for No 10
Good morning. When Keir Starmer became Prime Minister, he published his missions and initial steps, and Labour was filled with policy proposals. However, some observers felt it was difficult to identify his primary motivation or the single major political goal he aimed to achieve. In contrast, Andy Burnham’s driving motivation is clearer, as he co-authored a book in early 2024 with Steve Rotheram, the Liverpool city region mayor, titled Head North. They argue that the north of England has been disadvantaged because power in the UK is concentrated in the south. Their proposal calls for a significant rebalancing through the devolution of decision-making and spending away from London, building on initiatives they have pursued as metro mayors.
Anyone interested in Burnham’s potential agenda as Prime Minister must begin here. The book includes a 10-point plan, some elements of which may be modified or omitted, but several will likely form the core of Burnham’s project.
A “Basic Law” referenced in the book pertains to legislation passed in Germany after reunification, which mandates that all states maintain “equivalent living standards.”
Burnham and Rotheram concluded their book with an “Epilogue to our Grandchildren,” expressing hope that their ideas would “help build a movement of people over the next 25 years which will eventually change Westminster from the outside.” They envisioned that by the middle of this century, “the end of our lives and the start of yours,” the movement would be “so big that real change would then be imminent.”
At the time of writing, the Labour Party was expected to win the 2024 general election, with most analysts anticipating Keir Starmer’s leadership to remain stable for another decade. Burnham did not foresee himself as the individual to implement this agenda. Now, just over two years later, he has the opportunity to enact it personally.
This context sets the stage for today’s speech by Burnham in Manchester. As reported by Pippa Crerar, he will pledge to deliver “good growth in every postcode” by overseeing a substantial transfer of power from Whitehall to local communities.
This will be Burnham’s first major speech as the presumptive next Prime Minister. He reportedly will not take questions from reporters, aiming to focus media coverage solely on the speech. This event may become the most significant political development of the week, and it will be covered in detail.
Agenda for the day
Morning: Keir Starmer will host a roundtable at Downing Street with the hospitality industry.
10am: [Name redacted] will deliver a speech in London.
11.30am: Andy Burnham will give his devolution speech in Manchester.
11.30am: Downing Street will hold a lobby briefing.
2.30pm: Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, will take questions in the Commons.
Afternoon: Starmer will meet Mark Rutte, the NATO secretary general, at Downing Street.
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Burnham accused of 'power without accountability' over proposals not to take reporters' questions after today's speech
Journalists have been informed that Andy Burnham will not take questions following his speech today. Richard Tice, the Reform UK deputy leader, criticized this decision as “power without accountability.” He stated:
"Burnham’s coup is well underway. Big speech today with no questions from journalists. No debate in Parliament. No scrutiny from MPs until September. Power without accountability. Funny how Burnham demanded a General Election in 2022, but not now."
Reform UK is generally known for engaging extensively with journalists during press conferences, although Nigel Farage’s enthusiasm for such events appears to have diminished following revelations about his undisclosed £5 million donation. That topic is one on which questions are reportedly unwelcome.
