A recent survey suggests that a significant portion of voters doubt Andy Burnham would govern in the interests of the entire United Kingdom. According to data from YouGov, only 23% of voters expect him to govern for the whole country, while 27% believe he would primarily focus on regions like the North of England.
The poll, which surveyed 4,473 adults on June 30, indicates a divided public perception of Burnham's potential leadership. Conservative and Reform UK voters were least likely to believe he would govern in the nation's interest, with 11% and 8% respectively. Conversely, 32% of northerners surveyed felt he would govern in the interests of the whole country, compared to 13% who disagreed. Southerners, however, were more inclined to believe he would favor the North, with 36% expecting this compared to 18% who thought otherwise.
These findings come after Burnham, previously known as the 'King of the North' during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, announced plans to establish a 'No 10 North.' This initiative aims to move part of the Prime Minister's office to Manchester as a means to 'rewire Britain' and rebalance power away from the center.
Burnham stated that this move would create the 'biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen' by devolving power across the UK. His allies have suggested he could work from Manchester at least one day a week. He is anticipated to become Prime Minister as early as July 20, provided there is no challenge for leadership.
However, the concept of a 'North-South divide' in leadership has drawn criticism. Wes Streeting, a former leadership candidate who now supports Burnham, has expressed reservations. He described the focus on a North-South divide as 'jarring,' arguing that feelings of being left behind are not exclusive to the North. Streeting pointed to areas like the estuary towns of Kent and regions in Cornwall and Devon, suggesting they experience similar resentment towards London and national inequalities.