Angela Rayner has lauded Andy Burnham's public transport initiative in Manchester as the "biggest success story" of devolution outside of London. The remarks, made during a speech marking the 40th anniversary of the New Economics Foundation, are being interpreted as a strategic move by the former Deputy Prime Minister to position herself for a significant role in a potential future Labour government led by Mr. Burnham.
Rayner emphasized her own contributions to advancing regional powers, including advocating for fiscal devolution and the introduction of an Overnight Visitor Levy, a policy championed by Burnham. She suggested that mayors should be granted the authority to compulsorily purchase derelict historic buildings to facilitate their restoration and reuse by local entities.
Speaking at the event, Rayner stated, "The country needs a much deeper cultural change, and the scale of that challenge can't be underestimated. To truly get growth in every corner of the country and put more money into people's pockets, we must rewire England by devolving power and money to the country as a whole."
She detailed her experience facing "institutional resistance to fiscal devolution" and noted the successful implementation of the visitor levy as proof that such obstacles can be overcome. Rayner also pointed to neglected buildings like Sheffield's Old Town Hall and Manchester's Theatre Royal as examples of assets that could be revitalized through mayoral intervention.
"When buildings have been left to rack and ruin by distant investors, Mayors should be given the power to put them up for compulsory sale or lease, so someone else can have a shot - whether that's the council, a local business, or a community group," she urged.
The former Deputy Prime Minister specifically praised the Bee Network, a public transport system developed under Burnham's tenure as Greater Manchester Mayor, as a model that reversed the fragmentation caused by private bus companies. She also commended Louise Haigh, the former Transport Secretary, for spearheading the Better Buses Act, which facilitates local leaders taking control of bus services. However, Rayner noted the slow pace of change and called for government backing to enable any mayor seeking a franchised bus network to establish one by the end of the current parliamentary term.