The MP for Makerfield has made his first major policy speech since launching a bid to become PM

Labour leader hopeful Andy Burnham has pledged to create a ‘No 10 North’ if he becomes Prime Minister, claiming it will help power flow into regions including the West Country.

The newly elected MP for Makerfield, who is currently the party’s frontrunner to take over from Sir Keir Starmer, unveiled plans on Monday (June 29) to devolve more powers to the UK’s regions and nations.

In his first major policy speech since launching his leadership bid, the former Greater Manchester mayor said he would deliver the “biggest change in our lifetime to the way the country is run” while remaining “consistent” to Labour’s 2024 manifesto.

“We will create a more streamlined state with a clearer purpose to power up all parts of the country and put a laser-like focus on growth and regeneration,” he said.

“The change will be driven through the prime minister’s office in an extended operation based here in Manchester. But here’s the important thing; it will only be based here. The job of No 10 North will be to make power flow into the Midlands, into the South West, into the East of England and yes, into London.”

Burnham said his proposals would help regional leaders gain “greater public control” in areas such as transport, housing, energy and water.

“No 10 North will be the nerve centre for a rewired Britain,” he said. “It will be the conduit through which we redistribute power and resources across the UK. It will coordinate all parts of government, at national and local level, to agree a long-term economic strategy and help all places set new growth ambitions.”

He also called for “good growth in every British postcode” adding that he wanted “more joined up decisions” with Westminster and the UK’s regions and nations.

He said No 10 North would support the regions in three areas: reform of essential utilities; reindustrialisation; and the regeneration of places.

“We are such an inventive country and, going forward, we can be the world’s leading innovation nation,” he said. “This is the key to higher growth.”

West of England’s mayor Helen Godwin responded to the comments by calling for “more power and more funding” as the UK’s only expanding combined authority.

The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) currently covers Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, but could soon also be joined by North Somerset.

“The West Country has to be at the heart of places getting more powers and more funding,” said Ms Godwin.

“That must be the case as the only expanding combined authority, with North Somerset joining, and as we push towards Established Strategic Authority status.”

Ms Godwin said she was “glad to see” that devolution was “front and centre” of the national conversation following Burnham’s speech.

“As the country’s fastest-growing regional economy over the last five years, we can help power a bright future,” she said.

“We have seen historic steps forward on devolution over recent months, with commitments to enable mayors to introduce overnight visitor levies and to retain some of the taxes raised from our communities.

“In this new chapter, our region now has a proper seat at the table. Our voice is now being heard. But more is needed to give people hope.”

According to Weca, since 2019 the economy across the Bristol and Bath region has grown four times faster than the national average. In 2023, the West grew by almost three per cent – outperforming every other combined authority area and London.

In May, Weca set out its growth potential – said to be worth some £17bn – at a major UK investment summit in Leeds. It followed the unveiling of a 10-year growth strategy last year which the mayor said could create tens of thousands of jobs in the West of England and drive major investment in the region.

She added: “Over the months ahead, we will be proudly making the case in Westminster and beyond at every opportunity to secure the investment that our region deserves – with a new £17bn Investment Prospectus – and make a difference for communities.

“Together, we can deliver change that people across the West of England can really see and feel.”

If no other Labour MP makes a leadership bid, Burnham could replace Sir Keir as Prime Minister as soon as July 20.