Greater Devolution and No.10 North backbone of Burnham’s promise for change

This morning former Greater Manchester Mayor, on the brink of becoming UK’s next Prime Minister, delivered his 10-year mission, laying out his priorities for growth and regeneration from The People’s History Museum in Manchester.  

In terms of investment and growth, Manchester has been the best performing city over the past 10 years. Andy Burnham made clear his intention to extend devolution across the UK, giving power back to the elected representatives of those regions, putting Place first for more opportunities for growth, innovation, employment and regeneration. 

He believes Westminster is broken; the country is stuck in a rut and politicians must take responsibility:

“The broadest coalition of people will build Britain to where we want it to be. I have a new determination to raise living standards for everyone. We need to change politics and do it now.”

It is obvious that Andy Burnham intends to do things differently, be a circuit breaker in traditional politics, to make politics work for the people. The Greater Manchester way has seen the fruits of collaboration between the private and public sectors, all pulling in the same direction. He said that Westminster & Whitehall are set up for conflict and not working for the North West and other parts of the UK. 

Burnham pledges to do things differently
To bring about radical change to Westminster, Burnham believes it necessary to shift power out of Westminster to the regions where the concept has been proven to succeed, including in Stockport where the UK’s first Mayoral Development Corporation has attracted over £1 billion of investment to deliver ambitious regeneration projects, generating growth, housing, jobs and green spaces across the town centre. 

He believes that devolution will enable authentic representatives to deliver what is best for their people and place – fostering a better sense of unity and collaboration. 

“This is Manchesterism”

Andy stated that a rebalance of power will see growth nurtured from the bottom up, and the power to make a difference, encouraging greater financial control, adoption of new tech, an innovation led approach, decent infrastructure and investment, security of a good home and good employment and ultimately set higher ambitions for towns such as is apparent in Stockport. 

Making the best of assets and positives across all postcodes of the UK

“A vision for good growth and rejection of the old trickle-down model. All parts of the UK should be given the chance to create their own growth model that suits their area best, making the best of their assets and positives.”

Mr Burnham MP went on to say that under his leadership, politics would see the biggest change in a lifetime in the way the country is run.  

“No 10 North – would become the nerve centre of a rewired Britain” 

Andy signed off with the following statement: 

“Imagine, good growth in every postcode and hope in every heart”