Burnham speech latest: Labour MP to reveal devolution plan in first major announcement since launching PM bid

Andy Burnham will pledge to give Britain the “circuit-breaker it needs” through devolution, in his first major speech since returning to Westminster.

The former Greater Manchester mayor, who will almost certainly replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister next month, will make the case for a radical transfer of power away from London and call for decision-making to be pushed back into local communities in a speech in Manchester on Monday.

Mr Burnham, who is a long-standing proponent of devolution, will outline the “biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times”, at the centre of which would be the introduction of a 'No10 North', reportedly to be based in Manchester, to coordinate economic policy.

His address will come one week after he was sworn in as an MP following his victory in Makerfield.

Meanwhile, Mr Burnham continues to mull his future cabinet. Rachel Reeves appears to have conceded she will no longer be staying on as chancellor, with several senior ministers including home secretary Shabana Mahmood and energy secretary Ed Miliband reportedly in the running to succeed her.

Read More

Andy Burnham set to announce his economic vision for the country in first major speech

Senior figures say Labour united behind Burnham and dismiss prospect of election

Are the wheels coming off Farage’s wagon – is Burnham about to get that lucky?

‘Shocking’ hatred on social media contributed to Starmer’s unpopularity, minister says

Key Points

• Burnham to outline his plans for 'No10 in the North'
• Who is Andy Burnham and why is he the frontrunner to be the next PM?
• Andy Burnham looks set to become the next prime minister – here’s what that could mean for Britain
• John Major’s challenge to Burnham - ‘Britain must rejoin the EU single market in five years’
• What's happening in politics on Monday?

Applause for Bev Craig as she walks onto stage

11:30 , Bryony Gooch

The 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 Gooch

We 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 Gooch

The 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 Gooch

Devolution 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 Gooch

The 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 Gooch

Journalists 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 Gooch

Politicians and media gather in Manchester for Burnham speech

10:50 , Bryony Gooch

The 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.

Burnham is set to discuss devolution - but what does that mean?

10:45 , Bryony Gooch

The key subject of Andy Burnham’s speech will be devolution - the idea of devolving power or decentralising it from national government.

This can mean giving regional government more power on such a level that it would control laws and public services.

Prescription charges, housing and economic development could drastically differ depending on the area in the UK - but would be more within local government control.

Kemi Badenoch: We are absolutely ready to fight a general election

10:45 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:

The Tory leader has declared: “We are absolutely ready to fight a general election.”

The answer to a question at her speech in London this morning comes amid speculation that Andy Burnham is going to call an early general election.

“It is about uniting the country…winning a general is just the beginning not the end point,” she adds.

The problem for Ms Badenoch is that despite winning the Aberdeen South by-election her party is still languishing below 20 points in the polls.

Labour ministers ask those who know how to keep their jobs under a new PM - Tories

10:42 , Bryony Gooch

Reported by Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor

As the public awaits the now almost certain coronation of Andy Burnham, it is a tense time for Labour ministers - as they scramble to try to keep their jobs.

Every new PM reshuffles their top team.

However, Mr Burnham is unlikely to replace every minister - meaning a fight is on to be one of the ones who stays in place.As part of this effort some ministers are turning to MPs who have been through this churn of PM before - Tories.

At least one former Conservative minister is understood to have been asked for his opinion on how to avoid the chop when the new PM enters No 10.

Advice is thought to have included getting to know key advisers in Burnham’s team and doing a good job in their current department.

Badenoch offers to work with Burnham to get the economy growing

10:33 , Bryony Gooch

Kemi Badenoch has offered to work with Andy Burnham to get the economy growing.

She told a press conference in London: “I quite like Andy Burnham. He is very genial, very personable.

“I would be happy to show him our plan, our alternative kings speech.

“I would be happy to lend him Conservative votes in Parliament to pass tough legislation that his MPs don't have the stomach for.”

‘Shocking’ social media hatred ‘contributed to Starmer’s unpopularity’

10:30 , Bryony Gooch

The level of “abuse and hatred” across social media was partly responsible for Sir Keir Starmer’s record unpopularity amongst voters, a government minister has said.

Housing minister Steve Reed said online abuse targeted at “the guy at the top” was “shocking”, as he sought to explain the public’s dislike to the outgoing prime minister after just two years in office.

Sir Keir has struggled to maintain positive ratings amongst voters since he became prime minister in 2024, with an November 2025 Ipsos poll indicating he was the least popular prime minister since its records began in 1977.

Read more:

‘Shocking’ social media hatred contributed to Starmer’s unpopularity, minister says

Sack Ed Miliband don't make him chancellor, Badenoch tells Burnham

10:29 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Kemi Badenoch has told Andy Burnham to sack Ed Miliband, arguing Labour needs to “get Britain drilling again”.

It comes amid reports the MP for Makerfield is considering making energy secretary Mr Miliband chancellor.

But Mrs Badenoch argued that we need to “get Britain drilling again”, adding: “If Andy Burnham had any sense he would sack Ed Miliband not make him chancellor.”

Badenoch likens Burnham to Boris Johnson

10:24 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:

Kemi Badenoch has made a dig at the incoming prime minister Andy Burnham suggesting that he is like her old boss Boris Johnson.

She reminds the audience that they once had a major who became prime minister with a devolution agenda.

But she warned that the big difference is that while Boris Johnson’s Treasury of the north, Burnham’s No10 of the north will not have the support of enterprise and business.

“Instead we see those Labour instincts of more control, more public ownership,” she adds.

Burnham will leave Britain’s ‘economy in limbo’, says Badenoch

10:19 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Kemi Badenoch has said uncertainty caused by Andy Burnham will leave the economy left in limbo, accusing him of failing to shut down speculation over his economic policies.

“Investment decisions across the country will be put on hold every time newspapers are briefed about new tax rises… our economy will be left in limbo”, she said.

“And all Labour MPs care about is what jobs they will get in the next government.”

Kemi Badenoch goes for the throat on ‘Labour chaos’

10:19 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:

Kemi Badenoch is getting her punches in first before Andy Burnham grabs the headlines later this morning with his speech.

She has decided to major on “Labour chaos” and says “Andy Burnham is prime minister in everything but name.”

Attacking him for wanting three months to work out what he wants to do,, she demands he names his cabinet “and comes to parliament to say what he will do.”

She claims that his dither and delay and the prospect of Ed Miliband being his chancellor is “adding to the uncertainty” and will lead to a “summer of chaos.”

She warns that speculation over more borrowing and tax rises will “leave the British economy in limbo.”

In pictures: Starmer hosts roundtable with members of hospitality industry in show of commitment to youth employment

10:17 , Bryony Gooch

Badenoch: Britain heading for ‘summer of chaos’

10:16 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

Britain is heading for a “summer of chaos”, Kemi Badenoch said.

The Tory leader took aim at wrangling over defence spending and rows in the Home Office, suggesting the party’s infighting has left “Britain in danger” and “public spending spiralling out of control”.

“Difficult problems need solving, and difficult decisions must be taken”, she said.

Mel Stride takes aim at Burnham

10:14 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

The Tory shadow chancellor has taken aim at Andy Burnham, saying he “has little regard for the need to recognise fiscal restraint and the realities of the bond market”.

Mel Stride also accused him of failing to be clear about his plan for the economy and letting speculation run rife.

Addressing an event in central London, he said the Tories are the only party with a plan to get borrowing under control.

Analysis: Burnham refusing to face questions from the media is not a good look

10:03 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:

Andy Burnham’s premiership may be yet to officially begin, but the incoming prime minister has already ruffled some feathers amongst the nation’s press.

Journalists in Manchester heading to his speech this morning have been told they won’t be able to question him on his policies.

The speech has been billed as his opportunity to set out his economic vision for the country in the highly likely event he is running the country next month, something his party has been urging him to do.

But his decision to avoid scrutiny on those policies will undoubtedly raise concerns about the Makerfield MP’s willingness to be transparent and held accountable - especially given there is already some unease about Burnham being installed in No 10 with basically no competition.

The MP, who is likely set to be PM three weeks from today, also won't face scrutiny in the Commons for the first weeks of his premiership as it coincides with the beginning of parliamentary recess.

Burnham will not take journalists’ question after speech setting out vision

09:55 , Bryony Gooch

Andy Burnham will not answer questions from journalists following his first major speech.

The senior Labour politician, who is on course to become prime minister in three weeks’ time, is set to use a speech in Manchester to set out his vision for the country.

But the Makerfield MP, who has kept a low public profile since returning to Westminster earlier this month, will not follow the common practice of taking questions from reporters following the speech.

The move has drawn criticism from fellow politicians and some journalists already.

Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice said Mr Burnham was giving a “big speech today with no questions from journalists”.

He said: “No debate in Parliament. No scrutiny from MPs until September. Power without accountability.”

But Sir Tony Blair’s former spin doctor Alastair Campbell said it was a “good move” for Mr Burnham not to subject himself to questions from the media.

“Speeches matter and when important should speak for themselves,” he said.

“If and when he becomes PM, Burnham will be answerable to Parliament, not the showbiz-style media coverage of politics.”

Young people are left thinking no-one is in charge - they are right

09:45 , Bryony Gooch

As we are poised to get our seventh prime minister in 10 years, conversations with teenagers across the country reveal a generation that has lost faith in government and its leaders. The ripple effect of this instability will have far-reaching and worrying outcomes for us all, writes Chloe Combi.

Read more:

Young people are left thinking no-one is in charge - the consequences are terrifying

Watch: Labour MP to reveal devolution plan in first major announcement since launching PM bid

09:35 , Bryony Gooch

Burnham to outline a path to help NEETs in speech

09:21 , Bryony Gooch

Andy Burnham is set to address the NEET (not in education, employment or training) crisis in his speech, as he hopes to reduce the number of young people affected if he is handed the keys to No10.

His speech hopes to outline a vision for major reform to the education system, offering a path to all young people that no longer overly focused on the university route.

This will respond to the Milburn report which declared nearly a million young people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment or training

Public to decide asylum cases as Mahmood pledges to speed up decisions

08:44 , Bryony Gooch

Members of the public will be trained to decide asylum appeals instead of immigration judges under reforms to speed up outcomes as Shabana Mahmood pledged the removal of 45,000 failed claimants and foreign offenders.

The home secretary will set out plans for a new independent body which officials say will prioritise cases in the public interest and high-harm offenders starting from late 2027.

The Independent Immigration Appeals Authority will be made up of “professionally trained and independently appointed” adjudicators from a range of backgrounds, similar to magistrates.

The government hopes that broadening the eligibility criteria will allow for a significant increase in capacity and lead to faster outcomes.

The reforms, to be laid out in the Immigration and Asylum Bill this week, will also seek to create a “single route” that prevents migrants from appealing against a rejected claim and bringing further claims about new matters before their removal.

Watch: Rachel Reeves tears up after hearing Ukrainian families story

08:32 , Bryony Gooch

Analysis: Burnham’s appeal for a 10 year plan could hint at an early election

08:25 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:

What is clear from the early briefings of Andy Burnham’s speech today is that he is serious about rewriting the “trickle down” liberal economic philosophy that has driven British politics for the last four decades.

The details of devolving economic power to regions, bringing growth to every post code, and living up to his so-called “Makerfield test” of policies which lift the forgotten communities will not be mere tinkering if he is serious.

They will also be expensive and require significant tax increases as well as possibly tearing up chancellor Rachel Reeves tight borrowing rules. Indeed, one of his key lieutenants, Louise Haigh over the weekend hinted at exactly that sort of approach.

So it is no wonder that Mr Burnham is saying he has a “10 year mission”. He is certainly not the only prime minister to hope for a decade to get his vision done. Keir Starmer, who he is replacing, wanted the same.

But in truth if he wants to impose such a radical vision on the country he will need a new mandate otherwise things could get unstuck very quickly. The desire for a decade requires two full terms which also means he needs to go to the country when he is at the height of his popularity.

Today’s speech will not be the starting gun for an election campaign but it will be one which puts Britain’s political parties on notice.

Education system not set up to serve white working-class children, major report finds

08:15 , Bryony Gooch

Education system not set up to serve white working-class children, report finds

Andy will listen to backbenchers on policy, minister says

07:52 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:

Andy Burnham will want to ’take people with us’ rather than ‘dictate’ policy to his backbenchers, a government minister has said.

Mr Burnham has previously suggested scrapping the whipping system altogether, and will declare MPs should put “place before party” in a major speech this morning.

Asked if he may be set to get rid of whips entirely, employment minister Diana Johnson - a former government whip - said: “I think whipping can be a positive thing. I mean, it gets a bad rap, but actually whipping, making sure the government can get its business through, listening to MPs, listening to concerns that MPs have is really important.”

However, she admitted the government hasn’t listened to MPs well enough in past years, particularly on welfare reforms.

“I think Andy - if he is the next leader -he'll bring a culture that I think he will want to engage, he will want to listen, he will want to make sure that we're taking people with us rather than things being dictated from on high," she told Sky News.

What is Andy Burnham set to talk about in his speech?

07:51 , Bryony Gooch

Makerfield MP Andy Burnham will set out intentions for devolution in a speech this morning in Manchester after he made his intentions to become prime minister clear.

As part of his speech, he is set to insist that there needs to be a chance in how Britain is governed, not just who is governing it.

This will involve what has been described as the biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times, with decision-making pushed to regions and local communities.

Mr Burnham is set to propose a vision of “good growth in every postcode” to replace a centralised, top-down model with locally driven economic growth.

Part of this flagship proposal will involve the creation of a No10 in the North.

The speech commits to a 10-year mission, which Mr Burnham hopes will raise living standards through reindustrialisation, housing, infrastructure and reform of essential utilities.

He will draw on the Greater Manchester model for a new partnership between government, business, universities and communities.

No 10 of the North a ‘good idea’, says minister

07:36 , Bryony Gooch

The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:

A government minister has backed Andy Burnham’s plans to create a ‘No 10’ in the North once he becomes prime minister.

Employment minister Diana Johnson was asked about the idea ahead of Mr Burnham’s major speech in Manchester this morning.

She said: “I think Andy's obviously going to make a speech later today and flesh this all out, but as an MP who represents Hull, I know jolly well that, you know, there's great things that we can do in all parts of the country, and I think it's important that we spread that out.”

Schedule: What's on today's political agenda?

07:21 , Bryony Gooch

10am: Kemi Badenoch will deliver a speech on the economy in London.

11.30am: Andy Burnham will deliver a speech at the People’s History Museum, Manchester, outlining plans for devolution.

Afternoon: The prime minister will host Nato secretary general Mark Rutte in Downing Street.

2pm: Former MP Craig Williams will be among 15 to appear in court for betting on the 2024 election.

2.30pm: Secretary of state Pat McFadden will take work and pensions questions.

6.30pm: Nigel Farage and Reform’s Norfolk PCC candidate Colin Sutton will address a rally in Norwich.

Burnham to make devolution his flagship proposal

07:00 , Dan Haygarth

Andy Burnham, dubbed the "King ⁠of the North", will use Monday's speech to make devolving power to Britain’s regions and ​local communities his ⁠flagship proposal.

He will also commit to ‌a 10-year mission to raise living standards through reindustrialisation, housing, infrastructure and reform of utilities.

The focus would be not just on who governs Britain, but on changing how it is ‌governed, his office said.

He will set out how he plans ‌to "lift Britain back up to where it should be" and provide the "circuit-breaker it needs", alongside a pledge to reform public procurement to better support British jobs and industry.

Senior figures say Labour united behind Burnham and dismiss prospect of election

06:45 , Dan Haygarth

Senior Labour figures have insisted the party is united behind leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham and dismissed the prospect of a general election to secure a mandate for any major shifts in policy.

Housing secretary Steve Reed suggested Sir Keir Starmer’s likely successor would introduce “changes in emphasis” but stick to the “fundamentals” like the Government’s rules on borrowing.

Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell said the newly-elected MP had built up “clear sense of purpose” and insisted people wanted the party to “get on with the job” rather than go to the country.

Mr Burnham defied national trends to increase Labour’s vote share in the Makerfield by-election this month following its disastrous set of local election results in May, which intensified calls for Sir Keir’s resignation.

But the party has consistently slumped in the polls for months and political opponents have called for a general election to come with the change in leader as speculation mounts about his policy platform.

Speaking on Sunday, Mr Reed, who has been a key Starmer ally and cautioned against replacing him as recently as last month, said Labour would stand “four square behind Andy to deliver the change this country voted for two years ago”.

“The public do not want a general election, and that’s not just my instinct. You can look at the polls that tell us the vast majority do not. They want us to get on with the job,” he told Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

'The public do not want a general election' says Steve Reed

06:00 , Dan Haygarth

Profile - Andy Burnham: The ‘King of the North’ who looks set to become Britain’s next prime minister

05:00 , Dan Haygarth

Who is Mr Burnham, and how did he come to be the frontrunner to become the next prime minister?

Who is Andy Burnham? ‘King of the North’ set to become the next prime minister

Tories name candidate aiming to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor

03:00 , Dan Haygarth

The Conservative Party on Sunday announced Trafford councillor Phil Eckersley as its candidate to be the next Greater Manchester mayor.

The local businessman was confirmed as their runner on Sunday and he will go up against Labour’s Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council, as well as the Green Party’s Geraldine Coggins, who is also a Trafford councillor.

Labour has pitched it as a two-party race against Reform UK, who made sweeping gains in the area during the local elections.

But the Greens will also be aiming to win votes from Labour following their success in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

MP Rupert Lowe has said his Restore party will stand a candidate. Reform has yet to announced their would-be mayor.

The mayoral by-election is scheduled for July 30 and Trafford Council’s Bowdon Ward representative Mr Eckersley said he is “honoured to have been selected”.

Mr Eckersley, who founded Bridgewater Care Home in Wigan in 2010, which employs more than 100 people, added: “Greater Manchester is my home, and it’s a region with enormous potential, but too often decisions are made with a focus on Manchester city centre – with the outer boroughs getting left behind.

“As a business owner, father and local councillor, I understand the challenges facing families, businesses and communities across our city-region.

“From pressure on public services and concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, to congestion, housing and the need for stronger local economies, these are issues I have dealt with directly throughout my professional and public life.

“The Conservative Party has a clear vision for Greater Manchester – safer streets, better transport, thriving local businesses, responsible development and value for taxpayers’ money.”

Watch: Report from Makerfield as Burnham won seat

02:00 , Dan Haygarth

Andy Burnham looks set to become the next prime minister – here’s what that could mean for Britain

01:00 , Dan Haygarth

Here’s what his premiership could mean for the country:

What would Andy Burnham’s policies be if he becomes prime minister?

Watch: John Major’s challenge to Burnham - ‘Britain must rejoin the EU single market in five years’

Sunday 28 June 2026 23:59 , Daniel Haygarth

What is the latest on Mr Burnham's potential cabinet?

Sunday 28 June 2026 23:00 , Dan Haygarth

The former Greater Manchester mayor continues to mull his future cabinet.

Rachel Reeves appears to have conceded she will no longer be staying on as Chancellor, with several senior ministers including home secretary Shabana Mahmood and energy secretary Ed Miliband tipped to succeed her.

Lucy Powell said she thought Mr Miliband would be good at running the Treasury but cautioned against “tittle-tattle” over who may get which job.

Steve Reed said he would be “very happy” to keep his Cabinet position under a Burnham government and had been speaking to the Makerfield MP in recent days, but that appointments would be a matter for the leader.

Burnham to pledge 'circuit breaker' for Britain

Sunday 28 June 2026 22:45 , Dan Haygarth

Labour leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham will pledge to give Britain the “circuit-breaker it needs” in a major speech unveiling his plans for devolution and the economy.

Mr Burnham, who served as a minister and on the opposition frontbench before becoming a regional mayor in 2017, will use his speech to suggest his generation of politicians – himself included – must take responsibility for the loss of public trust in politics.

He is expected to commit to public procurement reform which will centre on “buying British” in a bid to revive industry and in turn securing more “social value” in the form of work placements and apprenticeships.

Education reforms are also to be unveiled aimed at delivering what his team describe as “true parity” between the academic and the technical – a balance which outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also sought to focus on while in government.

Ed Davey says Burnham has 'very short window' to turn around Labour's fortunes

Sunday 28 June 2026 22:39 , Dan Haygarth

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has warned Andy Burnham had only a “very short window to turn this government around” as the country is “impatient for change”.

“People have heard this sort of talk before only to be badly let down because nothing changes – Burnham mustn’t repeat that mistake,” he said.

“If he’s serious about firing up growth and cutting the cost of living, Burnham must ditch Labour’s old red lines on Europe and take Britain into the single market.

“We will be holding his feet to the fire to finally deliver the change people are crying out for.”

‘His time has come’: Makerfield voters want Burnham to be prime minister – as long as he doesn’t forget them

Sunday 28 June 2026 22:34 , Dan Haygarth

Do Andy Burnham’s new constituents want him to become prime minister?

Dan Haygarth finds out. Read below:

Makerfield voters want Burnham to become their PM – as long as he doesn’t forget them

Burnham to outline his plans for 'No10 in the North'

Sunday 28 June 2026 22:26 , Dan Haygarth

The creation of a “No10 North” will be a key Andy Burnham policy, with him planning to move some of the Downing Street operation to the North of England, reportedly Manchester.

Mr Burnham’s team say this office would “drive devolution and coordinate long-term economic renewal across every nation and region of the UK.”

Read more on the policy below:

Burnham eyes up ‘No 10 in the North’ as path to a coronation becomes clearer

When will Burnham's speech start and where is it?

Sunday 28 June 2026 22:16 , Dan Haygarth

In his first speech during the Labour leadership race, former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham will say he will “give Britain the circuit breaker it needs”.

He will speak at the People’s History Museum in Manchester at 11:30am on Monday.

The Independent will bring you updates from it.

Senior cabinet member rejects idea that Burnham wants London to subsidise rest of nation

Sunday 28 June 2026 22:13 , Dan Haygarth

On Sunday, housing secretary Steve Reed, who is backing Andy Burnham to be the next prime minister, rejected suggestions he had indicated he wanted London to subsidise the rest of the nation.

“First of all, that’s not what he’s saying,” he told Sky News.

“What Andy is saying is that this is one of the biggest economies on the planet, and yet we have some of the poorest regions in Europe in this country, and that is because of the grotesque regional economic inequality we have in this country.”

He added it “benefits the south east of England if the rest of the country does well”, claiming Mr Burnham’s plan would help ease London’s housing crisis.

“It doesn't help London if London is the only place where people see opportunities for jobs and economic growth, because people from all over the country come to London,” he said.

Devolution to be at the heart of the speech, following Burnham’s ‘Makerfield’ test

Sunday 28 June 2026 22:12 , Dan Haygarth

Following his victory in the Makerfield by-election earlier this month, Mr Burnham said: “A Makerfield test at the heart of British politics will make sure that the places Westminster has neglected will now get fairness.”

A desire to improve the North of England’s economic fortunes and address regional inequality through devolution is central to Mr Burnham’s politics.

His 2024 book Head North, written with Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram, advocated for power to be less central and moved away from Whitehall to local authorities and the combined authorities, such as that in Greater Manchester he used to lead.

The book called for a "more balanced approach, where councils and mayors were dealt some cards too".

The former mayor is said to be planning to boost economic growth by granting regional leaders enhanced authority over social housing, welfare, and post-16 education.

What we can expect from the speech

Sunday 28 June 2026 22:10 , Dan Haygarth

Andy Burnham’s team have said that his speech at the People’s History Museum in Manchester will cover the following:

• There must be a change in how Britain is governed, not just changing who governs it.
• The central proposal is the biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times, with decision-making pushed to regions and local communities.
• It sets out a vision of "good growth in every postcode", replacing a centralised, top-down model with locally driven economic growth.
• A flagship proposal is the creation of a 'No10 North' to drive devolution and coordinate long-term economic renewal across every nation and region of the UK.
• The speech commits to a 10-year mission to raise living standards through reindustrialisation, housing, infrastructure and reform of essential utilities.
• It argues for a new partnership between government, business, universities and communities, drawing on the Greater Manchester model.
• It calls for a new political culture focused on place before party, problem-solving before point-scoring and long-term thinking over short-term politics.
• The speech includes a commitment to reform public procurement to ensure maximised support for British jobs and British industry and, in return, secure more social value in the form of work placements and apprenticeships.
• It sets out a vision for major reform to the education system to ensure it is based on true parity between academic and technical, offering a path to all young people, no longer overly focused on the university route.
• The speech is the start of a significant response to the Milburn report and a drive to reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training.