Burnham Unveils Regional Growth Plan to Rebalance Power Across Britain

Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to become the United Kingdom's next prime minister following Keir Starmer's resignation, is set to unveil a major plan to shift political and economic power away from London and give more authority to regions across the country.

 The proposal aims to tackle long-standing regional inequalities by allowing local governments to play a bigger role in shaping regional economic growth, improving public services, and making investment decisions.

Burnham, who previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester, has long argued that communities outside London deserve greater control over their own future.

His latest proposal reflects that belief, with a focus on giving local leaders the tools and funding they need to address the unique challenges facing their regions.

• Andy Burnham unveils plan to shift power from London to UK regions
• Burnham's regional growth strategy targets stronger local economies
• UK decentralisation plan focuses on investment housing and transport

Giving Local Leaders More Control

Under the proposed reforms, city regions and local authorities would receive greater powers over transport infrastructure, affordable housing, planning, skills development, and infrastructure projects. Burnham believes that too many important decisions have been made in Westminster for too long, leaving many parts of Britain with fewer opportunities for investment and growth.

The plan is designed to give local governments more freedom to respond to the needs of their communities instead of relying on decisions made by central government. Burnham says local leaders have a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in their areas and are therefore better placed to drive economic development.

The proposal also aims to improve accountability by allowing regional authorities to take greater responsibility for spending decisions and long-term planning. Supporters believe this could help speed up projects, encourage regional investment, and create stronger local economies across the country.

A Long-Term Plan for Economic Growth

Alongside the governance reforms, Burnham is expected to present a 10-year economic strategy focused on rebuilding British industry, investing in affordable housing, improving transport networks, and upgrading public infrastructure. The plan also includes changes to public procurement rules that would encourage government contracts to support British businesses and manufacturers wherever possible.

The broader goal is to create more balanced economic growth by reducing the country's dependence on London and helping other regions become stronger contributors to the national economy. Burnham's experience leading Greater Manchester has shaped much of this approach, as he has frequently pointed to the city's economic progress under greater local control.

While the proposals are ambitious, they come at a time when Britain continues to face economic challenges, including slower growth, higher borrowing costs, and pressure on public finances. These factors are likely to limit how quickly some of the reforms can be introduced.

To reassure businesses and investors, Burnham is expected to emphasise Labour's commitment to responsible public finances. Party leaders have indicated that any new spending plans will remain within existing fiscal rules while focusing on investments that support long-term growth.

Burnham has also adopted a more practical political approach in recent years. Rather than focusing on ideological debates, he has placed greater emphasis on economic stability, investment, and regional development. His message is centred on creating opportunities across the country while maintaining confidence among businesses and financial markets.

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If Burnham becomes Britain's next prime minister, his decentralisation plan is expected to become one of the defining priorities of the new government. By giving regions more control over their own development, he hopes to create a more balanced economy and ensure that growth reaches communities across the United Kingdom, not just London.