Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer as UK prime minister, has outlined a sweeping plan to decentralize political power and rebalance the economy. In a speech in Manchester, Burnham proposed establishing a 'No 10 North' office to serve as the nerve center of a 'rewired Britain,' redistributing power and resources across the country. He pledged to embark on the 'biggest rebalancing of power' the UK has seen, aiming to address the long-standing north-south divide and promote 'good growth in every postcode.'
Burnham, who previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester, emphasized the need to move away from Westminster-centric governance. He proposed handing more autonomy to local councils and regional mayors, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and economic development. His 10-year plan includes a massive council house-building program, inspired by Finland's 'Housing First' policy, and reforms to privatized utilities like water and energy.
The plan also involves Burnham spending significant time in Manchester, potentially keeping his family home in Wigan and using Downing Street only when necessary. He framed his vision as a 'circuit-breaker' for the UK's 'broken' political system, arguing that growth must be nurtured from the bottom up rather than dictated from the top down.
Burnham's proposals have drawn mixed reactions. Supporters see it as a bold step toward regional equality, while critics question the feasibility and potential costs of such a radical shift. Some have raised concerns about the security and logistical challenges of operating a second prime ministerial office in Manchester.