Andy Burnham confirms he will set up ‘No 10 North’ in Manchester in major policy speech – as it happened

Andy Burnham's Devolution Vision: A Shift in Power Dynamics

Andy Burnham confirms he will set up - On June 29, 2026, Andy Burnham, the Labour leader, unveiled a transformative plan during a major policy speech that will establish 'No 10 North' in Manchester. The initiative, which he described as a cornerstone of his vision for the UK, aims to decentralize authority and empower regions across the country. Burnham emphasized that this move would represent the most significant restructuring of governance in decades, aligning with Labour’s 2024 manifesto commitments.

The Structure of 'No 10 North'

Burnham outlined that the new entity, No 10 North, would operate as a central hub for devolution efforts, with its headquarters located in Manchester. The setup is designed to streamline decision-making processes, ensuring that resources and responsibilities are distributed more effectively to areas such as the Midlands, South West, and East of England, as well as London. This approach, according to Burnham, would allow for a more responsive and targeted administration, fostering growth and regeneration in all corners of the UK.

Key to the strategy is the role of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s chief executive, who has been appointed as Burnham’s deputy chief of staff. This appointment underscores the Labour leader’s commitment to local expertise, positioning Manchester as the nerve center for implementing devolution across the country. The plan envisions a shift where national policies are adapted to regional needs, with local governments given greater autonomy to innovate and address specific challenges.

Reactions and Debate Over Devolution

While Burnham’s proposal has drawn support from some quarters, it has also sparked debate. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, expressed skepticism during her morning press conference, stating that she does not believe in further devolution. Badenoch argued that the current system, though not perfect, provides stability and consistency that a more fragmented structure might lack.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, echoed similar concerns in a video response. He contended that devolution in London, Wales, and Scotland has, in some respects, backfired, failing to deliver the promised economic benefits. However, not all on the right-hand side of politics share this view. The Institute of Economic Affairs, a prominent right-leaning thinktank, has in principle endorsed Burnham’s ideas. Valentin Boboc, a senior economist at the IEA, stated in a quote: "Andy Burnham is right that growth cannot be legislated into existence from Whitehall. His call for a more streamlined state, with decisions pushed towards local governments, is welcome."

Boboc further highlighted that the success of devolution hinges on granting regions both powers and responsibilities. He argued that if local governments are given the freedom to experiment with regulatory frameworks and fiscal policies, they can identify the most effective models for sustainable development. This perspective challenges the notion that simply redistributing funds without adjusting rules would yield meaningful progress.

Political and Social Implications

Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, praised Burnham’s speech, calling it "a good start" and underscoring the need for a bold strategy to tackle inequality and employment crises. In a statement, she added: "It is clear that Andy has been in listening mode. Britain needs a vision that deals with its current rampant inequality and jobs vacuum. Actions will speak louder than words, but this is the start of a discussion about a better path for workers and communities."

The Local Government Association also welcomed the announcement, with its chair, Louise Gittins, a Labour councillor, asserting that "successive devolution agreements have demonstrated that devolving powers to local communities is the best way of unlocking the potential of people and their places, while boosting inclusive economic growth." Gittins emphasized that the government must now increase its ambition to ensure devolution is fully realized across England, enabling councils to address infrastructure, skills, housing, and productivity challenges directly.

Meanwhile, the DUP faced scrutiny over its handling of allegations against former leader Jeffrey Donaldson. The party admitted that its members, both current and former, were aware of the claims but did not disclose them publicly. This revelation has fueled discussions about transparency within the DUP and its role in shaping Northern Ireland’s political landscape.

Adding to the political intrigue, a former Conservative MP, who served as a key parliamentary aide to Rishi Sunak during his prime ministership, pleaded guilty to gambling fraud. The individual was involved in placing bets on the outcome of the 2024 general election, which has raised questions about the integrity of political fundraising and campaign strategies. This incident, while not central to Burnham’s speech, highlights the broader context of accountability within the UK’s political institutions.

Broader Context and Future Prospects

As the Labour Party prepares for its next leadership contest and potential general election, Burnham’s devolution plan has positioned him as a forward-thinking leader. His speech, covered extensively in the Guardian’s business live blog, has sparked conversations about how regional autonomy can revitalize the UK’s economic and social fabric. Critics, however, caution that the proposal’s success depends on the willingness of the central government to cede control and trust local authorities with critical decisions.

Burnham’s vision for 'No 10 North' reflects a broader trend in UK politics toward decentralization. By placing Manchester at the heart of this initiative, he seeks to harness the city’s economic potential and serve as a model for other regions. The plan’s emphasis on growth and regeneration aligns with Labour’s commitment to addressing long-standing issues of underinvestment and stagnation in parts of the country.

The Guardian’s Today in Focus podcast, which features Lucy Hough and Josh Halliday, has also explored the implications of Burnham’s speech. Contributors to the podcast have analyzed how the devolution model could reshape the UK’s political and economic landscape, with some noting the potential for increased competition between regions. This competitive dynamic, they argue, could incentivize innovation and efficiency, as areas strive to implement the most effective policies.

In the wake of Burnham’s announcement, the political arena is abuzz with anticipation. While some remain skeptical, others see this as a pivotal moment for the UK’s governance. As the Labour Party moves forward, the success of No 10 North will likely serve as a litmus test for its ability to deliver on promises of regional empowerment and national progress. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how this bold vision translates into actionable policies.

Overall, Burnham’s devolution speech has sparked a national conversation about the future of governance in the UK. By proposing a centralized yet decentralized model, he aims to balance the need for strategic direction with the flexibility for local innovation. As the party prepares for the next phase of its campaign, the emphasis on devolution signals a shift in priorities, with the hope that this restructured approach will address the country’s most pressing challenges.