Burnham sets out vision to transform Britain and fix ‘broken’ system

Andy Burnham, widely expected to become the next prime minister, has outlined a vision to transform Britain by rebalancing power and improving living standards. He described the current political system as "broken" and proposed greater public control over essential services like water, housing, energy, and transport to address the cost of living. A key element of his plan is a "No 10 North" hub in Manchester to distribute power and resources from Whitehall, alongside a significant council housing building program and business rate reform for high streets. Burnham also aims to rebalance the education system, giving equal footing to academic and technical courses. He emphasized the need for hope and immediate cost-of-living support, while assuring adherence to fiscal rules.

Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to become the UK's next prime minister, is set to unveil his economic and devolution plans in a major policy speech. The address, taking place in Manchester, will outline a 10-year mission aimed at raising living standards through reindustrialisation, housing, infrastructure, and utility reform. A key proposal will be devolving power to regions and local communities, a concept his office describes as "Manchesterism." Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament, is currently the only declared candidate to replace Keir Starmer and could take leadership by mid-July. His economic stance is described as pro-business socialist, with a commitment to current government borrowing limits.

Andy Burnham, the likely next UK Prime Minister, plans to establish "No 10 North" as a central hub for a significant devolution of power and resources across the UK. He argues the current Westminster system is "broken" and proposes this new structure to oversee increased public ownership of utilities, reindustrialization, and town regeneration. Burnham also indicated a potential early cost of living support package to address immediate concerns. His vision aims to rebalance the country, improve living standards, and restore public faith in politics by moving away from a centralized Whitehall approach. He emphasized a commitment to sound public finances and a broad approach to governance.

Andy Burnham, a Labour lawmaker, is set to unveil his plan for governing Britain on Monday. His office stated that his vision involves shifting power away from London and towards the regions. Burnham recently returned to Westminster after winning a parliamentary seat and is currently the sole declared candidate to succeed Keir Starmer as leader. Starmer announced his intention to step down last week, following a decline in his popularity, despite securing a significant parliamentary majority for Labour two years prior. Burnham could potentially become prime minister within weeks.

Andy Burnham, in his first major speech since winning the Makerfield byelection and positioning himself as a potential future Prime Minister, plans to advocate for significant devolution of power from Whitehall to local communities. He aims to deliver "good growth in every postcode" by shifting decision-making to regions and communities to foster local economic development, replacing the current centralized model. Burnham is reportedly considering granting local authorities more control over taxes, such as business rates. His platform for government, which he will outline in a speech in Manchester, includes a 10-year mission to raise living standards through reindustrialization, housing, infrastructure, and utility improvements, with some infrastructure funds also likely to be devolved. He also intends to move parts of the No. 10 operation to Manchester to coordinate economic renewal.

Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, has indicated that Ed Miliband would be a "good" chancellor for potential future Prime Minister Andy Burnham. While acknowledging Miliband's suitability for the Treasury role, Powell also described speculation about cabinet posts as "unedifying," urging focus on job creation. Some within Burnham's camp see Miliband as capable of challenging Treasury orthodoxy, but acknowledge the political risk of his appointment due to concerns from markets, big business, and some unions regarding his stance on the North Sea and net zero agenda. Burnham is expected to deliver a speech on economic plans and fiscal responsibility, with his choice of chancellor potentially signaling his approach. Other potential candidates for chancellor include Shabana Mahmood, Wes Streeting, Yvette Cooper, and John Healey. Both Powell and Steve Reed ruled out holding a general election at this time.

The Guardian's podcast, "Brexit: An Oral History," features interviews with key figures from both sides of the debate. Presented by Kiran Stacey, the series reflects on the UK's decision to leave the EU, which occurred ten years ago this week. The podcast examines the Brexit vote and its lasting impact on the country. The interviews aim to provide a comprehensive look back at the events that led to the UK's departure from the European Union.

A decade after the UK voted to leave the EU, the bloc has moved on and consolidated, while Britain continues to debate its relationship with the continent. Following the 2016 vote, the EU rallied and set its terms for negotiations, successfully navigating challenges like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. During its EU membership, the UK was often a voice against deeper integration. Now, the EU views Brexit as a historical episode, with former officials suggesting the final deal favors the EU. In contrast, the UK faces ongoing debate about its future ties, with significant support among younger voters for rejoining the EU, though this remains a long-term prospect dependent on British consensus.

Britain is facing political uncertainty following the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marking the country's seventh prime minister in a decade. This rapid turnover, which includes David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, raises questions about the effectiveness of Britain's political system. Starmer's Labour party had won a landslide victory in 2024, promising competence and stability after 14 years of Conservative rule characterized by Brexit divisions, scandals, economic stagnation, and policy reversals. The article suggests this frequent change in leadership indicates a deeper malaise within British politics.

Andy Burnham's allies are increasingly confident he can secure the Labour leadership without a contest following his significant byelection victory. Burnham and his team are actively seeking nominations from MPs and ministers, with some suggesting he could achieve close to 300 backers, potentially complicating a challenge from Wes Streeting. Labour party rules require candidates to secure nominations from 20% of the parliamentary party (81 MPs) and support from local branches and affiliated groups to force a contest. While Burnham's team aims for an uncontested transfer of power, some MPs believe his ideas should undergo scrutiny through a leadership race. Streeting's allies maintain he has the numbers to challenge Starmer and is determined to do so, though he may not trigger a contest immediately. The article suggests that Keir Starmer, despite leading Labour to a general election victory, is unpopular and faces pressure to set a timetable for his departure.

Labour peer Charlie Falconer believes Prime Minister Starmer has "at most weeks to go." Cabinet loyalists are pressuring Starmer to present an exit timetable by the weekend. A memo circulating among loyalist MPs, seen by The Guardian, outlines potential attack arguments for a leadership campaign, suggesting that rival Andy Burnham has not yet faced significant scrutiny and a contest could weaken his support. The memo details anticipated criticisms of Burnham's readiness for leadership.

Andy Burnham's recent electoral victory positions him as a potential contender for Prime Minister, prompting scrutiny of his policy agenda. If he were to lead, his government would likely pursue significant changes, including the public ownership of utilities like water and energy, starting with Thames Water. Burnham's platform also emphasizes cost of living support through measures such as a temporary rent freeze and shifting energy levies to general taxation, though this could necessitate difficult fiscal choices given existing tax pledges. Furthermore, his vision includes greater devolution of power away from Westminster to regional leaders, potentially placing public services under mayoral control. Burnham has also expressed interest in reforming the parliamentary whipping system to allow MPs more freedom and is considering electoral reform, advocating for a national commission to study potential changes to the voting system.

Andy Burnham has won a special election for a parliamentary seat in Makerfield, securing 55% of the vote. This victory positions him to potentially challenge Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour party and the position of Prime Minister. The special election was significant as the previous Labour MP resigned to allow Burnham to run. Starmer, whose popularity has declined due to economic issues and a scandal, stated he will fight to remain leader. Burnham's return to Parliament is seen by some as a turning point for the country. Under Labour rules, Burnham may have enough support to trigger a leadership contest.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won a crucial by-election in Makerfield, securing the House of Commons seat needed to potentially challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham defeated Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon by over 9,000 votes. His victory is seen as a significant step towards mounting a leadership bid, which could either lead to Starmer's resignation or trigger a contest. Burnham, who previously served as a minister, has built a strong following by focusing on issues affecting northern England and criticizing the UK's political system. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons.

A special election in the UK's Makerfield district on Thursday could significantly impact Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party. Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester and a leading contender for future leadership, is running for the vacant parliamentary seat. If Burnham wins, it is expected to increase pressure on Starmer, whose popularity has declined due to struggles with economic growth and public services. Starmer has faced calls for resignation following poor local election results and missteps, though he has stated he will fight any leadership challenge. Burnham, known as the "King of the North," aims to implement his "Manchesterism" approach nationally, criticizing London-centric politics. The election also presents a challenge from the Reform UK party, which has gained traction in the region.

A special election in the Makerfield district of northwest England on Thursday will determine the future of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While Starmer is not a candidate, the outcome is significant because Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester and a leading contender for Labour Party leadership, is running. If Burnham wins the seat for the governing Labour Party, defeating the Reform UK candidate, he is expected to challenge Starmer for leadership of the party and the country. This vote is closely watched as it could signal a shift in the political landscape.

Polls have closed in the Makerfield byelection, a contest where Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seeking a victory against Reform UK. Burnham, who is reportedly eyeing the position of Prime Minister, has been seen consulting with top economists, suggesting preparations for a potential leadership bid. Reform UK is reportedly briefing that they anticipate achieving their highest byelection vote share in Makerfield, potentially surpassing their previous record of 39% in the Runcorn and Helsby byelection. This election is framed as a significant event that could influence the Prime Minister's position.

A by-election in Makerfield, UK, on Thursday is significant beyond the parliamentary seat. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is contesting the seat, with the intention to challenge Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party if he wins. This comes amid declining Labour popularity, poor council election results, and resignations from the government, increasing pressure on Starmer. Reform UK, a far-right party, is also a strong contender in Makerfield, having performed well in recent local elections and appealing to both former Conservative and traditional Labour voters. Burnham, a popular figure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, previously served in cabinet and has built a reputation for his policies and advocacy. The contest highlights internal Labour tensions and the rise of the far-right.

Tactical voting by Green and Liberal Democrat supporters is crucial for a potential Labour victory in Makerfield, as these voters are willing to back Labour's Andy Burnham to prevent Reform UK from winning. Conversely, Reform UK's main right-wing competitor is the Restore Britain party. Polling suggests that the combined vote share of Green and Liberal Democrat supporters significantly exceeds Labour's narrow poll lead, and these voters are more inclined to lend their vote to Burnham than Restore supporters are to back Reform's candidate. Experts note the stark tactical logic for smaller parties in Makerfield, where their candidates are unlikely to win. The article also highlights a significant increase in misinformation on local Facebook groups during the campaign.