Andy Burnham delivered a speech in Manchester on June 28, 2026, outlining a new economic vision centered on regional devolution [1].
The proposal signals a significant shift in how the Labour Party intends to distribute power and investment across England. By challenging the centralization of authority in London, Burnham aims to redefine the relationship between the national government and northern cities.
Burnham, the newly-elected MP for Makerfield and former Greater Manchester Mayor, introduced a plan to establish a "No 10 North" [2]. He said this initiative is a new center for power outside Westminster [3]. The plan is designed to shift decision-making closer to the communities it affects, reducing the reliance on the capital for regional development [2].
Central to his agenda is a commitment to what he called "good growth in every postcode" [1]. This vision focuses on lowering living costs and increasing public investment to ensure economic prosperity is not limited to major urban hubs [1].
To address the housing crisis, Burnham announced a massive expansion of social housing. He said the party will deliver the biggest council-house building programme since the post-war period [2]. This initiative aims to provide affordable living options, and stimulate local construction industries [2].
Burnham is presenting these policies as part of his bid for the Labour leadership. The focus on devolution and housing is intended to appeal to voters in the North who feel neglected by the current Westminster-centric system [1, 2].
“"Good growth in every postcode"”
Burnham's proposal represents a strategic attempt to institutionalize regionalism within the Labour Party. By proposing a physical and political alternative to Downing Street in Manchester, he is betting that a decentralized government model will be the primary driver for economic recovery in the North of England.
