Burnham Promises Radical Devolution in Manchester Speech

Andy Burnham, the current candidate to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and a frontrunner for the position of UK Prime Minister, delivered a keynote speech in Manchester on Monday. He pledged a radical devolution of government powers, promising to bring the most significant rebalancing of power in the UK.

Burnham emphasized the need to put power in the hands of the people and to raise living standards for every individual. He described Britain as a highly centralized country and vowed to create a streamlined state that focuses on growth and regeneration.

Burnham's proposals include the establishment of a No. 10 North office to oversee the largest council housing program since the post-war period. He also criticized trickle-down economics and advocated for greater public control over services such as transport, water, and energy.

Burnham's speech follows Keir Starmer's resignation announcement and comes amid challenges for the Labour Party, including recent local election setbacks.