Andy Burnham has announced a major plan that could completely change the way the UK is run if he becomes the next prime minister.
Speaking in a key speech today, the Labour leadership frontrunner revealed his proposal to create a new “No 10 North” in Manchester, saying it would bring decision-making closer to people outside London and reduce the dominance of Whitehall.
Burnham said the new office would not only focus on the North of England. Instead, he explained that it would help spread power across the whole country, including the Midlands, the South West, the East of England and even London. According to him, the aim is to make sure every part of Britain has a stronger voice and receives more attention from central government.
His allies have described the proposal as one of the biggest transfers of power away from Whitehall in modern British history. They believe moving part of the prime minister’s operation to Manchester would mark a significant change in how the government works and how national decisions are made.
During the speech, Burnham also promised a major programme to build new council homes, saying it would be the biggest effort since the years after the Second World War.
He argued that Britain needs more affordable housing and said his government would also focus on rebuilding the country’s industrial base, creating jobs, boosting economic growth and restoring trust in politics after years of public frustration.
Burnham recently won the Makerfield by-election and is currently the only candidate in the Labour leadership race. That means he could become the party’s new leader and enter Downing Street within weeks if the process continues without another challenger.
However, not everyone is convinced by his plans. Political opponents, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, questioned whether Burnham should become prime minister without first asking the public for a fresh mandate. Some have called for a general election, arguing that voters should have the final say before a new leader takes office.
