Andy Burnham, a leading contender for the Labour leadership, is set to outline a vision for shifting significant power and funding from central government to England's regions. In his first major speech since announcing his leadership bid, Burnham plans to advocate for devolving more control over social housing, welfare, and post-16 education to devolved mayors, aiming to foster economic growth and reduce regional dependency on London.
Burnham, a proponent of devolution, has described the current system as one where regional leaders must "go on bended knee" to Westminster. His proposed agenda, aligned with his book "Head North," seeks a more balanced approach where regional authorities are empowered with greater resources and decision-making capabilities. A source close to the plans indicated the focus would be on "serious economic rebalancing" for the North as a whole, arguing that the economic struggles of the region impact the entire country, including London.
Official figures from the Office for National Statistics highlight fiscal disparities, showing that individuals in London contribute an average of £24,400 in taxes and receive approximately £19,500 in public services. In contrast, taxpayers in the North West contribute an average of £12,700 and receive about £17,300 in public spending. Burnham's strategy includes establishing a "No10 of the North" to underscore his commitment to rebalancing the economy and implementing a "devolution-first" agenda within Whitehall departments, encouraging them to identify funding areas that can be transferred to regional governments.
The political landscape is also being shaped by public sentiment regarding leadership transitions. A recent poll suggests that over half of Britons would support legislation mandating a General Election if a governing party changes its leader during a parliamentary term. This sentiment is particularly strong among Conservative and Reform UK supporters. The survey of 1,000 Britons, conducted after the announcement of Sir Keir Starmer's departure, indicates a public mood characterized by apathy, with 38% believing a new leader will make no difference to the country's overall state, and over half expecting no personal impact.
Burnham's potential succession to party leadership is anticipated to be a swift process. Nominations for the leadership close on July 16. If he is the sole candidate, he would be formally declared leader the following day, with the transition to Prime Minister expected on July 20. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding his potential cabinet, with speculation about successors for key roles such as Chancellor.