Burnham Says Westminster Is Broken in First Economic Speech

Andy Burnham, a Labour politician and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said Westminster is "broken" during his first major economic policy speech on June 29, 2026.

Burnham's return to the House of Commons as the MP for Makerfield marks a significant shift in his political trajectory. His critique of the central government suggests a growing tension between regional leadership and national administration, signaling a push for deeper systemic reform.

Addressing the House of Commons, Burnham said that the current system of governance has failed the public for a long time. He argued that the political and economic structures of the United Kingdom require a complete overhaul to effectively serve the population.

"Westminster hasn’t been working for people, and it hasn’t been working for a very long time. In fact, it is broken," Burnham said.

The politician did not only critique the institution but also addressed the role of his peers in the failure. He suggested that the current political class shares the blame for the state of the government, a rare admission of collective failure from a sitting member of Parliament.

"My generation of politicians, including me, must take responsibility. We haven't been good enough," Burnham said.

Burnham's speech focused on the necessity of an economic vision that prioritizes the needs of the people over established political norms. He framed this as a historic turning point for the country's governance.

"We are promising the biggest change in our lifetimes," Burnham said.

The speech comes as Burnham balances his duties as a regional mayor with his new role in the national legislature. This dual position allows him to bridge the gap between local governance in Greater Manchester and the legislative processes in London.