Andy Burnham outlines vision for UK leadership, focusing on devolution

Andy Burnham, the new MP for Makerfield, is preparing to deliver what his team describes as his "first major leadership speech" on Monday. The address, to be given at the People's History Museum in Manchester, is expected to lay out his foundational vision for government, promising to "lift Britain back up to where it should be" and give the country the "circuit breaker it needs."

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give Britain the circuit breaker it needs

Central to Burnham's agenda is a significant devolution of power away from Westminster. His allies, drawing on his experience as former mayor of Greater Manchester, highlight Whitehall's resistance to devolution and his desire to change this. While not expected to match the scale of the Scottish Parliament or regional mayors, his proposals aim to empower politicians outside London more effectively. A flagship idea is the creation of "No10 North," a part of the Prime Minister's operation based in Manchester, intended to drive devolution and promote "good growth in every postcode" across the UK. Sources emphasize this initiative would consider all regions, not just the North of England.

Burnham will also articulate his vision for "public control" over energy, water, and transport. However, the specifics of his plans, including the timescale and the extent of state intervention or potential nationalization, remain unclear. This lack of detail is likely to draw scrutiny, especially as his team indicates he will not take questions from reporters after the speech, a move that could raise eyebrows given his current lack of a direct electoral mandate.

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the biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times

Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake has already criticized Burnham's proposals, labeling them a "politics of distraction." He argued that Burnham's focus on "more devolution, more committees, more process" ignores critical issues such as fixing the welfare system, cutting taxes for families and businesses, and funding national defense. Hollinrake suggested that Labour is deliberately avoiding the "questions that actually matter."

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how resistant Whitehall can be to devolution

Burnham's team is reportedly using this speech to help determine potential cabinet appointments. A key dilemma for Burnham is whether to appoint Ed Miliband, the current Energy Secretary, as his Chancellor. The speech marks a significant step in Burnham's potential bid for leadership, setting the stage for further policy discussions and political maneuvering.

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to drive devolution