Labour’s Andy Burnman Champions Radical Power Shift to the People with 10-Year Plan for Regional Justice
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Andy Burnman, poised to replace Keir Starmer, unveiled a transformative decade-long plan to dismantle Westminster’s elite stranglehold, empower local communities, and invest in public goods like transport, housing, and industry through a new 'No. 10 North' office in Manchester.
Andy Burnman, the clear frontrunner to succeed Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announced on Monday a bold vision to put power back in the hands of ordinary people by devolving significant authority to local governments and relocating part of the prime minister’s office to Manchester. Speaking at the People’s History Museum—a fitting venue for a movement rooted in working-class history—Burnman called this the 'biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen,' pledging a ten-year plan to ensure 'good growth in every postcode,' not just for the privileged few in London.
Burnman emphasized that genuine economic growth must be built from the grassroots, not dictated by corporate elites or central government. His 'Manchesterism' model would harness both public and private investment to rebuild transport, housing, and infrastructure, create new industrial jobs, and finally reform water and energy utilities that have long served profit over people. The creation of a new regional hub, 'No. 10 North,' would empower regional mayors with real control over housing, welfare, and education, breaking the cycle of neglect imposed by Westminster.
The Institute for Public Policy Research welcomed the move, with executive director Harry Quilter-Pinner highlighting how Westminster’s concentration of power has stifled growth and justice for decades, stating that the 'real test now is delivery.' Professor Matthew Flinders of the University of Sheffield noted that scaling up the Manchester approach would require a 'fundamental shift' away from the outdated, centralized political model that has failed the many for the benefit of the few.
Burnman, elected to Parliament on June 18 and sworn in on June 22, stands unopposed in the Labour leadership contest and is on track to become prime minister by July 20. He faces the legacy of his predecessor: a stagnant economy, underfunded public services, and mounting pressure to divert resources to militarism under NATO, rather than to the needs of the people.
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake, representing the status quo, dismissed Burnman’s plan as mere 'shuffling of power between politicians,' ignoring its promise to democratize welfare, taxation, and public investment. As usual, the right offers no solutions for working people.
While Burnman’s speech left some questions about funding unanswered and he declined to take questions from journalists, his vision marks a decisive break from decades of top-down governance and signals hope for a fairer, more just Britain.