Andy Burnham confirmed plans for a “No 10 in the North” as part of a 10-year vision for a “new era” in Britain, but was told by critics he is making “the same empty promises”.
The Makerfield MP, who is expected to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister next month, declared plans for a “rewired Britain” through devolution as he lamented his generation of politicians for failing to be “good enough” to create change in the country.
Speaking at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, Mr Burnham was met with raucous applause as he outlined a vision of devolution, reindustrialisation, a high street renaissance and a “rewired Britain”, driven through an office in the North West.
His speech was well recieved by Labour Party figures, particularly those in the North, but the SNP’s Westminster leader Dave Doogan claimed that the former Greater Manchester mayor was “making the same empty promises” to Scotland “while keeping all of Westminster’s most damaging policies – Brexit, austerity cuts and Tory spending rules”.
Likewise, first minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth said a No 10 of the North would mean little for the people of his nation.
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Key Points
- Analysis: Burnham preaches to the converted as he makes case for North’s revival
- Burnham confirms he will create a 'No 10 in the North'
- SNP claims Burnham is offering 'same empty promises'
- PM-in-waiting outlines 'biggest council house building program since post-war period'
- Government will bring the 'biggest change in our lifetimes to the way the country is ruled', Burnham vows
No 10 North will be 'conduit' to get power out of London, Burnham says
16:45 , Dan HaygarthIs it really so strange? pic.twitter.com/q1EZkstwz3
— Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) June 29, 2026
Andy Burnham references The Smiths as he has travelled back down to London following his speech in Manchester this morning.
About flagship policy No 10 North, he says it will will be a “conduit” for moving power into the regions.
The questions Andy Burnham urgently needs to answer
16:30 , David MaddoxWill Burnham cut stamp duty? Here’s what PM hopeful could change to property taxes
16:00 , Bryony GoochAndy Burnham gave his first major speech on Monday as he prepares to enter No 10 and become the new prime minister.
As yet, there are few clear details of what will change as Mr Burnham laid out a “ten-year mission” to raise living standards.
But, his stance on property tax reform in particular is well-documented and, given time, Brits could see one of the biggest changes in generations across this area of their financial lives.
Read more here:
Will Burnham cut stamp duty? Here’s what PM hopeful could change to property taxes
Think tank calls on Burnham to be more ambitious
15:41 , Kate DevlinThe Re:State think tank has called on Andy Burnham to set out more of the roadmap rather than "the rhetoric" for change.
Dr Simon Kaye, director of policy and research at Re:State, said:“Burnham’s vision of a devolved England, with powerful regions driving growth and public service reform, is the right one. But achieving that depends on those regions being able to raise their own revenues. Today’s speech was notable by the absence of any serious commitment to fiscal devolution.
"Similarly, while ‘No 10 North’ is good political theatre, the Whitehall machine won’t be fixed by giving it a northern postcode. Real devolution means central government getting out of the way of local government, not shifting chunks of it out of London.
"To realise his vision, a Burnham premiership will have to dramatically shrink the centre and let go of power – including giving mayors the power for tax raising – but today we had the rhetoric, rather than any sense of the roadmap, for that change.”
Burnham unveils ‘No 10 North’: Watch biggest announcements from his ‘Rewired Britain’ speech
15:35 , Bryony GoochThe questions Andy Burnham urgently needs to answer
15:30 , Bryony GoochThe prime minister-in-waiting made Labour MPs feel good about themselves – and the future of the party – with his speech in Manchester. But he ducked questions from journalists – and thereby avoided any scrutiny of the details of his policies. David Maddox looks at the pieces of the Burnham puzzle that are still missing.
Read more here:
The questions Andy Burnham urgently needs to answer
Corbyn welcomes devolution but calls for mass wealth redistribution
15:24 , Bryony GoochJeremy Corbyn has welcomed Andy Burnham’s call for devolution but urged him to go further with a mass redistribution of wealth and power.
The former Labour leader said: “We will never bring about real change without a mass redistribution of wealth, ownership & power. Public ownership. Wealth taxes. Rent controls. That must be the basis for a real alternative.
“Starmer went after the sick and disabled to fund his thirst for war. Repeating this strategy would be a catastrophic mistake. Instead of wasting billions on weapons, we should invest in schools, renewable energy and our NHS. That is what real security means.
“Palestine is the litmus test. Britain must end all arms sales to Israel, impose real sanctions, and establish an independent inquiry into Britain's participation in genocide. Anything less will be a continuation of Britain's complicity in the greatest crime of our time.”
Devolution is welcome, but it is not enough to fix the crises facing us all.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 29, 2026
We will never bring about real change without a mass redistribution of wealth, ownership & power.
Public ownership. Wealth taxes. Rent controls. That must be the basis for a real alternative. [1/3]
Watch: Burnham unveils 'No 10 North': Watch biggest announcements from his 'Rewired Britain' speech
15:11 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: Andy Burnham delivers speech at the People's History Museum
15:04 , Bryony Gooch
SNP claims ‘nothing of substance for Scotland’ from likely PM Andy Burnham
14:55 , Bryony GoochSNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan claimed after Andy Burnham’s speech that the former Greater Manchester mayor was “making the same empty promises” to Scotland “while keeping all of Westminster’s most damaging policies – Brexit, austerity cuts and Tory spending rules”.
Mr Doogan said: “The SNP has been calling for meaningful devolution for years but there is nothing of substance for Scotland in these proposals – and nothing that will fundamentally improve people’s lives.”
Watch: Burnham unveils ‘No 10 North': The Independent reports from Manchester
14:44 , Bryony GoochMayor of London welcomes Burnham's calls for devolution
14:43 , Bryony GoochMayor of London Sadiq Khan has welcomed Andy Burnham’s comments on more devolution for London.
He said on X: “I welcome Andy Burnham’s commitment to greater devolution for London and across the country. By empowering our cities, we can unlock growth, raise productivity and create well‑paid, secure jobs that make a real difference in our communities.”
I welcome Andy Burnham’s commitment to greater devolution for London and across the country.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) June 29, 2026
By empowering our cities, we can unlock growth, raise productivity and create well‑paid, secure jobs that make a real difference in our communities.
Zack Polanski questions Burnham's devolution plans
14:40 , Bryony GoochGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has responded to Andy Burnham’s speech with a call to rebalance power.
He said: “Rebalancing power is vital – but what good are powers if you can’t afford to use them? Billionaire wealth has hit record highs in this country – while local authorities are shutting down libraries and youth centres because their funding has been cut to the bone.
“Burnham must meet 3 key tests:
“Will redistribution of power mean ditching the broken electoral system?
“Will redistributed resources mean a real wealth tax and protecting the poorest?
“Will a focus on local areas come with an end to the gutting of local authorities' budgets?”
Rebalancing power is vital – but what good are powers if you can’t afford to use them?
— Zack Polanski (@ZackPolanski) June 29, 2026
Billionaire wealth has hit record highs in this country – while local authorities are shutting down libraries and youth centres because their funding has been cut to the bone.
Wes Streeting praises Burnham's speech: 'Finally some hope again'
13:58 , Bryony GoochFormer health secretary, once tipped to launch his own leadership campaign, Wes Streeting has praised Andy Burnham’s speech in Manchester.
He said: “Finally some hope again” as he reshared the live stream to the Makerfield MP’s speech.
Finally some hope again 👇🏻 https://t.co/CmWnUX9YnL
— Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) June 29, 2026
TaxPayers’ Alliance warns Burnham speech could lead to spending rather than tax cuts
13:49 , Bryony GoochTaxPayers’ Alliance has warned that taxpayers need relief rather than more spending following Andy Burnham’s speech.
John O’Connell of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: “Andy Burnham said that families need breathing space to deal with rising costs, but taxpayers and businesses will fear that this is simply code for more spending rather than much-needed tax cuts.
“With the tax burden heading for a record high, working people are already being hammered by frozen thresholds, higher bills and a government taking more of every extra pound they earn to fund a welfare state that has spun out of control.
“Burnham must ditch the tired clichés and give taxpayers genuine relief by ruling out further tax rises, ending the stealth tax raid and bringing spending under control.”
Welsh first minister: No 10 North would mean little for Wales
13:41 , Bryony GoochFirst minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth has said a No 10 of the North would mean little for the people of Wales as he shared frustrations following Andy Burnham’s speech.
“A Number 10 of the North will mean very little to the people of Wales,” he said. “I have been arguing for many years that the Westminster system is a broken system.
“That is why this Welsh Government set out our expectations on day one that Wales both needs and deserves a fairer settlement on funding and powers.
“Wales already has a new government giving people a new sense of agency, possibility and hope on priorities – from cutting waiting lists, to rolling out fully funded childcare, to creating good jobs.
“Regardless of who leads the UK Government, I will be making the same positive case in a constructive manner – fair funding and parity of powers with Scotland must be a bare minimum for Wales, and I look forward to pursuing a respect agenda that works both ways.”
Burnham 'right on the money' with council housing says Shelter
13:37 , Bryony GoochShelter has welcomed Andy Burnham’s call for “the biggest council house building programme since the post-war period”.
Sarah Elliott, chief executive of Shelter, said: “Andy Burnham is right on the money here. Any government that is serious about fixing life’s foundations must start by delivering a new generation of social rent homes and strengthening the arm of councils to get building.
“Council-built social homes once provided a stable basis for millions of people across the country to get on in life and succeed. Politicians have ignored this fact for far too long, while people’s hope dwindled away and our supply of genuinely affordable social rent homes fell through the floor.
“Delivering the biggest council house building programme since post-war period has the potential to utterly transform our country and restore the building blocks of people’s lives. To make this vision a reality, the government must set councils up to build by removing unsustainable debt and delivering a big boost to investment.”
The North is sick and tired of being pushed around – we’re taking back control
13:27 , Holly EvansA couple of years after moving to the northwest of England – from London, where I’d lived for two decades – I sat and watched a giddy lobby journalist gallop behind an MP live on telly, shouting his name to try and get his attention.
The day before, I’d been in one of Greater Manchester’s most deprived neighbourhoods meeting mums forced to use food banks for a child poverty documentary. And as that six-figure-earning reporter chased a nigh-on six-figure-earning politician through the parliamentary lobby for comment on the latest silly SW1 scandal (the romp only missing a Benny Hill soundtrack), it struck me just how disconnected Westminster was from, well, everywhere else. A different bloody planet, mate.
It’s a frustration that drives our PM-in-waiting, Andy Burnham. His three-term mayorship of Greater Manchester was characterised by his willingness to scrap for his city-region. And his belief in fiscal and policy-making devolution to not just empower such places, but economically turbocharge them.
Read the full analysis from Terri White here:
The North is sick and tired of being pushed around – we’re taking back control
'We should all want a more united country', says Northern Powerhouse Partnership CEO
13:18 , Alex RossA second northern leader has come out quickly in support of Andy Burnham's speech.
After Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce chair, Wayne Jones, backed the plan for greater devolution, think-tank Northern Powerhouse Partnership has now voiced its support.
Chief executive Henri Murison said: "Mr Burnham has made a bold commitment to further devolution. From giving places the tools to tackle economic inactivity to devolving post-16 skills, our verdict on these proposals are that they would help reduce the rising costs of welfare and the ill-health that places increasing pressure on the NHS.
"Alongside investment in infrastructure to drive productivity, raise wages and increase tax revenues, they would help turn the structural fiscal deficits seen across many parts of the North into surpluses that can be reinvested in future regional growth.
"We should all want a more united country. The Greater South East will benefit from greater freedom to raise the investment it needs, while, over time, having a reduced responsibility to subsidise other parts of the country as other regional economies become stronger.”
Former Labour shadow chancellor says 'now it’s about the detail'
13:08 , Kate DevlinFormer Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who welled up as Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election last week, told The Independent: "As a first step, it was a breath of fresh air.
"Now it’s about getting down to the detail of implementation. As a former deputy leader of the GLC, I welcome the return to respecting and supporting the vital role local government can play.”
The Greater London Council ran the city from 1965 to 1986.
'For too long power in this country has been centralised in London,' says northern leader.
13:00 , Alex RossWe're now seeing reaction coming in following Andy Burnham's speech, and it's not surprising that northern leaders are welcoming Mr Burnham's calls for greater devolution.
Mr Burnham said his plan was a “rejection of the trickle-down model” of economics as he promised “good growth in every British postcode”.
In northern regions there is already a form of devolution, with elected mayors for places like Manchester and West Yorkshire.
They make decisions on transport, housing and economic growth.
Wayne Jones OBE, chair of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, told The Independent: “As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Mr Burnham has seen first-hand what can be achieved when regions are given control over areas such as public transport.
"For far too long power in this country has been centralised in London with little thought about the needs of individual regions. Having regional mayors has been a step in the right direction but more power needs to be devolved for the regions to achieve their full potential."
He added: "It is encouraging that he talked about setting up a ‘No 10 North’ which should help to keep government focused on what needs to be done across the North.”
Last week, Mr Jones said many regions in the country had been left feeling aggrieved by past promises to raise living standards as part of the post-Brexit "Levelling Up" scheme.
Who was at Andy Burnham's speech?
12:49 , Holly EvansAndy Burnham gave his speech to an audience of around 100 supporters, the front row taken up by regional mayors, including Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Oliver Coppard from South Yorkshire, Richard Parker, from the West Midlands and Tracy Brabin, from West Yorkshire.
Lucy Powell, deputy leader of the Labour Party, sat across the central aisle from the mayors, one among a number of MPs local to Manchester, including Jonathan Reynolds and Afzal Khan.
The speech, lasting around 30 minutes, was interspersed with applause, the biggest when Burnham defined what he called, “Manchesterism”, when he announced a Number 10 for the north and criticised Whitehall, and on his pledge on house building.
Analysis: Burnham preaches to the converted as he makes case for North’s revival
12:40 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s senior reporter Dan Haygarth reports live from Manchester:
Andy Burnham’s first speech since returning to Westminster politics laid out how he would govern if he, as is expected, becomes Keir Starmer’s successor in Downing Street.
His choice of location - the People’s History Museum in Manchester - was telling, and the former industrial site’s history bled into the speech as the new Makerfield MP spoke about Labour as a grassroots, people’s movement, built on working class aspiration and fixing the basics of British life.
He was back in what he called his “Manchester clothes” - no suit and tie, but a black t-shirt and a blazer - and had packed the front row of the hall with his former regional mayor colleagues.
This was Mr Burnham resolutely in his comfort zone, speaking passionately and authentically about the need to bring hope and power back to this part of the country - themes which were central in his agenda as mayor of Greater Manchester.
Those in the hall, whether regional mayors of Northern MPs, agreed with a speech with outlined how a No 10 North and increased devolution would allow for “good growth” in areas of the country which have long felt forgotten about.
While there is no doubt that Mr Burnham’s “Manchesterism”, particularly shifting at least part of the heart of government to Manchester as a “nerve centre” for his radical devolution plans would be welcomed by many outside the M25, this was Burnham at his most assured and comfortable, hitting his favoured topics surrounded by allies, all on the same page as him.
He finished speaking, to a rapturous applause, he was whisked away to a readied car by his friend and close ally Liverpool city region mayor Steve Rotheram, without taking media questions, which will further arguments he is avoiding scrutiny from the press as he aims for the highest office in the land.
Burnham declares '10 year mission to raise people's living standards'
12:15 , Bryony GoochAndy Burnham has declared a “10 year mission to raise people's living standards” through
“I know people can't wait forever for change,” he said as he outlined plans for reindustrialisation, reforms to business rates, housing and education.
“Everything starts with a good home, and this country finally has to put that at the top of its priority list,” he said.
“No 10 North will be able to support all places to turn around those towns, their high streets, and the local centers, increasing footfall on the high street and protecting more green spaces from development.
“To reinforce that, we will reform business rates to support pubs and high street businesses, businesses that bring social benefits to communities, and let me finish by saying this, rather than being a marker of decline, shouldn't we make our high streets the new symbol of Britain's Renaissance?”
Burnham outlines 'biggest council house building program since post war period'
12:07 , Bryony GoochNo 10 North will oversee the biggest council house building program since the post war period, Andy Burnham has announced.
Mr Burnham said: “Britain has lost almost one and a half million council homes since the 1980s and around the same number of people are now on housing waiting lists and have been there for a very long time. As a result, the country is in a housing trap. We are forced to chase rents in the private rented sector through the benefits system.”
His call for more council housing received a huge applause as he called for council housing to be built using vacant public land to reduce costs.
Burnham confirms he will create a 'No 10 in the north'
12:05 , Bryony GoochWhitehall Editor Kate Devlin reports:
Andy Burnham is set to create a 'No 10 North' by moving some of his Downing Street operation to Manchester if he becomes prime minister as expected, he has confirmed.
To cheers as he gave a speech in the city on his vision for government, he stressed the office would “only be based here. The job of No 10 North will be to make power flow into the Midlands, into the South West, into the East of England, and yes, into London… as (it is) into the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and here in the North West.”
And he said would be “about offering new opportunities to extend devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland".
He pledged it would be the “nerve centre” of a rewired nation, “it will be the conduit through which we redistribute power and resources."
He also announced it would be given a mission “to strive for equivalent living conditions in all parts of Britain”.
And he warned “the days of Whitehall fighting” the devolution of power from the centre are “over for good”.
Burnham addresses the NEET issue
12:04 , Bryony GoochAndy Burnham has called on an end to education pushing people solely towards university as an approach to address the NEET crisis where almost a million 16-24 year olds are not in education, employment or training.
“I take very seriously the findings of the recent report by Alan Milburn. We need a complete rethink of how we support the next generation to succeed, and it has to start with the education system. The days of a school system configured entirely around the university route will be brought to an end.”
Burnham says his government will bring the 'biggest change in our lifetimes to the way the country is ruled'
11:59 , Bryony GoochPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Andy Burnham has said his plan for government will be the "biggest change in our lifetimes to the way the country is ruled" - but insisted it will be within the bounds of Labour's 2024 general election manifesto.
He said: "The change will be the biggest change in our lifetimes to the way the country is ruled, and it is consistent with the 2024 manifesto.
"We will create a more streamlined state with a clearer purpose. I'll do the biggest change in our lifetimes, all parts of the country, and with a laser-like focus on growth and regeneration, good growth. The change will be driven through the prime minister's office in an extended operation based here in Manchester."
Biggest cheer of the speech comes from ‘No 10 North’
11:58 , Bryony GoochSenior reporter Dan Haygarth reports live from Manchester:
It's maybe no surprise that this very Northern crowd is very pleased as Andy Burnham confirms that the prime minster’s office would be extended to Manchester - ‘the nerve centre of a rewired Britain’, he describes it as, to another round of applause.
Burnham commits to ‘discipline of our current fiscal rules’
11:58 , Bryony GoochPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
Andy Burnham has sent a message to the markets that he wants to be radical but will not be borrowing more to fund it.
In his speech he pledged to stick to “the discipline of our current fiscal rules.”
That means sticking to Rachel Reeves’ borrowing rules and to maintain economic stability.
That should see off a damaging run on the gilt markets which would push up he cost of borrowing.
'Good growth in every British postcode'
11:56 , Bryony GoochExpanding on his idea of “good growth in every British postcode”, Andy Burnham has pledged that even London will have more powers over its education and housing.
“What a sea of change that would be in the way UK government thinks about our own country, places no longer forgotten or written off as they have been in the past, but supported to make the best of their assets, seeing the positives in all places, and there are positives in all places in all postcodes across this United Kingdom.
“Let's always remember that the powers for our rural economies to address issues specific to them, like inadequate transport powers for areas undergoing industrial transition, like Port Talbot, Scunthorpe, and Aberdeen powers for our proud coastal towns to reimagine themselves for the twenty first century.
“And yes, more powers for London too, over education and housing, so that London can do more for itself and remain the world's greatest capital city, and you heard that here from Manchester.”
‘This is Manchesterism’
11:54 , Bryony GoochSenior reporter Dan Haygarth reports live from Manchester:
A loud applause as Andy Burnham lays out what Manchesterism would mean, namely rejecting trickle down economics, moving power into the nations and regions and giving metro mayors more autonomy.
“I think I even saw the mayor of Liverpool clap”, Mr Burnham says about the reaction to Manchesterism - acknowledging the rivalry between the two North West cities.
Burnham tells public they will have to wait to find out who will be in his cabinet
11:53 , Bryony GoochWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Mr Burnham has pledged his top team will be “inclusive... at the very highest level.
“So that all parts of the (Labour) party and the country can see themselves reflected and represented in it”.
But, he added, he would not announce decisions on appointments “certainly not today, and indeed not until the end of this process, so until then feel free to discount the wild speculation in circulation”.
Promise to ‘not use the whip system to close down debate’ a major criticism of Starmer
11:53 , Bryony GoochPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
Sir Keir Starmer attracted huge criticism as prime minister in suspending Labour MPs for disagreeing with policies only to U-turn and agree with them.
It started early on with a number of leftwing MPs thrown out of the Parliamentary Labour Party for demanding an end to the two child benefit cap.Eventually not only were they allowed back but Sir Keir ended the cap and claimed it as part of his legacy.
The most pernicious example though is Karl Turner, the Hull MP currently suspended because he will not stop criticising the attack on the jury system.Mr Burnham has just sent out a message saying that he “will not use the whip system to close down debate.”
It is a promise to Labour MPs that things will change and there will be more open debate and less fear.
Certainly, Mr Turner can be expected to be welcomed home sooner rather than later.
Metro Mayors in front row shows Burnham’s intentions
11:52 , Bryony GoochSenior reporter Dan Haygarth reports live from Manchester:
Andy Burnham says his government would address problems faced by local government and its funding levels.
As his speech moves onto devolution, saying his “Makerfield test” would allow for “growth in every postcode”, it is notable that his former regional mayor colleagues are seated on the front row in this hall, ahead of many of the MPs.
Burnham says he was 'worried' about what he found in Westminster
11:52 , Bryony GoochPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Andy Burnham has offered a stark assessment of Westminster after years in Manchester, saying he was "worried about what I found on my return last week".
While he said politicians are "working hard every day", Mr Burnham claimed it is "too hard for them to make change" because Whitehall is a "fragmented, disjointed place".
The MP for Makerfield said: "The parliament I returned to on Monday is full of good people, many of them here in the audience today, members of parliament who've joined us."
And they are working hard every day, trying to do the right thing for the places that they represent. But it's hard, it's too hard for them to make change. Why? Because power is not in the hands of those places that they represent, but held by an insufficiently accountable, outsourced state.
"We are one of the most over centralized countries in the world, and worse, that over centralized part of the country is not pulling in the same way, but in different directions.
“That is the reality of Westminster now, both within our parties and between them, and between the departments at Whitehall. I'll be honest, I was worried. Worried about what I found on my return last week. It is a more fragmented, disjointed place."
Burnham promises a change in work culture in Westminster
11:48 , Bryony GoochAndy Burnham has promised a change in culture in Westminster and Whitehall where the whip system will not be used to “create fear” or “close down debate”.
“I will work hard to change that culture, leading from the front and showing how things can be different, letting MPs be authentic representatives and not using the whip system to create fear or close down debate involving more people in the work of the government and drawing on the breadth and depth of talent and expertise our party has to offer.
“While the political direction I set is not up for negotiation, I will build an inclusive team at the very highest level, so that all parts of the party and the country can see themselves reflected and represented in it.”
‘We need to change politics and we need to do it now’
11:47 , Bryony GoochSenior reporter Dan Haygarth reports live from Manchester:
Burnham’s first pause comes after he outlines how he believes the Labour Party must change to recover trust and rebuild its relationship with voters, a view which is met with applause here in the hall.
He says he will follow the way that Manchester “does things differently”, a phrase that we will hear time and time again as he makes his case to be the next prime minister.
Burnham criticises Westminster as 'fragmented' and not set up for the north west of England
11:46 , Bryony GoochAndy Burnham said the reason he left Westminster years ago was because it was not working for the north west of England.
“Westminster and Whitehall are set up for conflict, and they require radical change if the country is to get back on track.
“I left Westminster a decade ago with the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotherham, because we could see it simply was not working for the north west of England and the people here, and indeed other parts of Britain. The same thing.”
He added: “I'll be honest, I was worried about what I found on my return last week. It is a more fragmented, disjointed place than the one I left, and frankly, unhappier.”
Burnham promises 'circuit breaker' to fix Britain
11:44 , Bryony GoochPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Andy Burnham has promised to "give Britain the circuit breaker it needs" and fix British politics.
He pledged to "do things differently", adding: "I am going to break with the more of the same approach that has got us here."
"I am going to give Britain the circuit breaker it needs by building a more collaborative politics in Westminster, by taking power out of the center and putting it in the hands of the people and places who can use it best, and in so doing, creating a new sense of agency, possibility and hope flowing around the country", Mr Burnham said.
Clothing choices becoming part of the Burnham brand
11:43 , Bryony GoochPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
Andy Burnham is back in his black T-shirt - or his Manchester clothes, as he route it - to give his first speech as the prime minister in waiting.
He jokes about needing special permission for his clothes and replacing his running shorts “instead of changing the decency laws.”
He talks about how one of his coats is on display in the venue - the People’s History Museum in Manchester - but it comes “second best to Michael Foot’s infamous donkey jacket.”
Jokes aside it is clear that image is going to be as important if not more important to Burnham than substance.
Burnham addresses fears that things wont get better under a new prime minister
11:42 , Bryony GoochPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Andy Burnham has addressed voters' fears that things won't get any better under a new prime minister, admitting that politicians "have not been good enough".
He said the question he is seeking to answer is: "What hope can we have that things will be different this time?"
"After 10 years of political turbulence since Brexit, and 20 years of falling living standards since the 2008 financial crash. Westminster hasn't been working for people, and it hasn't been working for a very long time", the MP for Makerfield said.
He continued: "My generation of politicians, including me, must take responsibility. We haven't been good enough, but instead of being honest about that, the parties have continued with politics as usual, finger pointing, point scoring.
“Now that might matter less in a world where people's lives are getting better, but when they are not, it is dangerous and destructive of what remains of public trust in politics.
“We cannot go through another decade like the one we have just had. We need a new determination to raise living standards of every single person in this land, and we must accept that to do that to fix the economy and the country. We need to change politics, and we need to do it now."
Burnham wants to 'lift Britain back up'
11:40 , Bryony GoochAndy Burnham has segued into his vision for the future of British politics as he outlines his desire to “build the broadest possible coalition of people to lift Britain back up.”
He said: “The time has come to build the broadest possible coalition of people to lift Britain back up to where we all want it to be. What hope can we have that it will be different this time? That's the question I would be asking if I was a voter right now.”
Standing ovation for Burnham as he enters
11:38 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s senior reporter Dan Haygarth reports live from Manchester:
The crowd applauses the Makerfield MP as he makes his way to the stage, he embraces his former mayoral colleagues on his way into the room. “I miss this place”, he says of Manchester as he begins, dressed casually in what he calls his “Manchester clothes”.
“It's been such a wrench to leave that I've had to get special permission from what people in Westminster call my Manchester clothes, I've had to get special permission to wear them this morning, sorry, Kemi, about [that].”
Andy Burnham has taken to the stage
11:36 , Bryony GoochWe will bring you the latest from Andy Burnham in Manchester.
Applause for Bev Craig as she walks onto stage
11:30 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s senior reporter Dan Haygarth reports live from Manchester:
The leader of Manchester City council and Labour’s candidate for the Greater Manchester mayor election is cheered as she walks onto the stage to begin proceedings.
Burnham is set to take to the stage in Manchester
11:30 , Bryony GoochWe will bring you the latest lines as Makerfield MP Andy Burnham gives his first major speech outlining potential policies for if he were prime minister.
Stay tuned as the former mayor of Greater Manchester takes to the stage.
In pictures: Tracy Brabin and Lucy Powell attend Burnham's speech
11:13 , Bryony Gooch
People's History Museum filling up before Burnham speech
11:10 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s senior reporter Dan Haygarth reports live from Manchester:
The room at the People’s History Museum is almost full, with less than half an hour before Andy Burnham’s speech begins.
Among those in attendance are city region mayors Steve Rotheram, Kim McGuinness, Richard Parker and Tracy Brabin, as well as northern MPs Alison McGovern and chief whip Jonathan Reynolds among others.
The Independent is stationed on a media balcony at the back of the room and will bring you updates from the speech.
Devolution is 'the way to go' to tackle youth unemployment, says NEET report chief
11:10 , Bryony GoochDevolution is “absolutely the way to go” about getting people into work, the former minister in charge of a review into youth worklessness has said ahead of a major speech by Andy Burnham.
Alan Milburn told an event hosted by the Resolution Foundation: “Labour markets are local. Barrow has a particular labour market, it’s just different from the labour market in, I don’t know where, Bournemouth, just a different labour market.
“So there’s got to be the ability somewhere for somebody to own the matching between the supply side and the demand side, because unless that happens at a localised level then you’re going to have a problem.
“You’ll hear a bit about what Andy’s saying in his speech today, which I think is absolutely the way to go around this.”
Pictured: People's History Museum readies for Andy Burnham to speak
11:06 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s senior reporter Dan Haygarth reports live from Manchester:
Analysis: Burnham’s refusal to take questions from media looks like a man trying to avoid scrutiny
10:58 , Bryony GoochJournalists heading to his major speech in Manchester on Monday have been told they won’t be able to question the incoming PM on his policies.
The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou explains why this is a mistake.
Burnham’s refusal to take media questions looks like a man trying to avoid scrutiny
Watch: Badenoch claims Labour power vacuum is leading Britain into 'summer of chaos'
10:55 , Bryony GoochPoliticians and media gather in Manchester for Burnham speech
10:50 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s senior reporter Dan Haygarth reports from Manchester:
Andy Burnham will shortly begin his first major speech since returning to Westminster. Plenty of Labour politicians and members of the press have gathered at the People’s History Museum in Manchester to hear Mr Burnham lay out his policies on devolution and the economy.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester is expected to announce his plans for a ‘No 10 North’ in this city, so people may have to get used to the often challenging Avanti train journey they’ve made from Euston this morning.
