Andy Burnham has outlined a bold economic vision in his first major speech since returning to Westminster, proposing a 'No 10 in the North' as part of plans to devolve power and distribute resources more evenly across the country. The Greater Manchester mayor said he wanted to regenerate towns that had been left behind, prioritising areas that have not benefited from previous government initiatives.
Key proposals for northern regeneration
Burnham's plan includes establishing a northern base for the prime minister's office, symbolising a shift in power away from London. He argued that decades of centralisation have created regional inequality, and that real change requires structural reform. The speech echoed themes of the Conservative government's 'levelling up' agenda, but Burnham insisted his approach would be more concrete and locally driven.
According to Burnham, the proposal would involve transferring significant fiscal and policy powers to combined authorities, enabling them to tailor economic strategies to local needs. He highlighted the importance of investing in transport, housing, and skills to unlock growth in underperforming regions.
Can Burnham succeed where 'levelling up' failed?
The 'levelling up' agenda, championed by Boris Johnson, faced criticism for lacking clear outcomes and sufficient funding. Burnham acknowledged the scepticism but argued that his plan differs by being grounded in existing devolution agreements and cross-party collaboration. He stated, 'We cannot afford another top-down initiative that raises hopes but delivers little. Our communities need genuine power and resources, not just slogans.'
Critics, however, question whether Burnham's vision is achievable without major fiscal transfers from Westminster. Some economists note that the gap between London and the North remains wide, with London's GDP per capita nearly double that of some northern regions. Burnham's speech did not detail specific funding mechanisms, leaving doubts about implementation.
Political reactions and next steps
Labour leader Keir Starmer has expressed support for greater devolution, but has not explicitly endorsed Burnham's 'No 10 in the North' proposal. Conservative MPs have dismissed the idea as a 'gimmick', while some northern mayors have welcomed the conversation. Burnham plans to publish a detailed policy paper later this year, aiming to build a coalition of support across party lines.
The debate over regional inequality is expected to feature prominently in the next general election, with all major parties crafting their own economic visions. Burnham's speech positions him as a key voice in the discussion, but whether it translates into tangible change remains uncertain.
