Burnham Vows 'Biggest Change To Way Country Is Run' As He Sets Out His Vision For Britain

Andy Burnham has vowed to bring about “the biggest change in our lifetimes to the way the country is run” as he unveiled his vision for the future of Britain.

The man who is set to become prime minister next month said he would put “hope in every heart” when he takes over from Keir Starmer next month.

He said his government will “do things differently” by ushering in a huge shift in power away from Whitehall towards local communities and regions, as part of a 10-year mission to improve the lives of ordinary people.

Burnham confirmed that he will set up a so-called “No.10 north [to] be the nerve centre of a rewired Britain”.

Its job will be “to make power flow into the Midlands, into the South West, into the East of England and yes, into London”, he said.

Burnham also unveiled plans for the biggest boost in council house building since the Second World War, and major reforms to education to boost technical education for pupils who do not want to go to university.

In a speech at the People’s Museum in Manchester, Burnham said: “I am going to do things differently. I am going to break with the ‘more of the same’ approach that has got us here.

“I am going to give Britain the circuit-breaker it needs by building a more collaborative politics in Westminster, by taking power out of the centre and putting it in the hands of the people and places who can use it best.

“And in so doing, creating a new sense of agency, possibility and hope flowing around the country.

“We will make politics work for you and the place where you live.”

He added: “The change will be the biggest change in our lifetimes to the way the country is run and it is consistent with the 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, good growth.” 

Burnham said his job will be to give “hope” back to those who have suffered due to years of rising prices and stagnating wages.

“If people in 1844 could form the co-operative movement in Rochdale to lower the price of food, then why can’t we act now with similar courage to make life better?” he said.

“Imagine what things could be like if we succeed. Imagine what it would feel like to live in a country wired to work for ordinary people in all local areas, rather than against them.

“Imagine if all local areas could build homes people could afford, to the point where they could guarantee one for everyone. Imagine if we could bring down the cost of energy for people and businesses, and the good things that would come from that.

“Imagine good growth in every postcode and hope in every heart. Well imagine no more, let’s make it happen.”

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