Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham proposed shifting political, investment, and decision-making power from London to regional authorities on Monday [1].
The plan seeks to dismantle the UK's centralized system of governance to stimulate economic growth across the country. By moving authority to local levels, Burnham aims to replicate the development success seen in Greater Manchester [1, 2].
Speaking in Manchester, Burnham said the proposal includes the creation of a new prime ministerial office located outside of London [1]. This move is intended to signal a seismic shift in how the national government interacts with the regions [2].
The plan also expands local control over critical infrastructure and services. Specifically, Burnham proposed giving regional authorities more power over transport, housing, and investment [1, 3].
Burnham said the current centralized system has held back economic growth [1]. He said that greater devolution is necessary to ensure that regional development is not dependent on decisions made in the capital [2, 3].
The detailed plan was unveiled on June 29, 2024 [1]. This follows an initial announcement made on June 28, 2024, regarding his intentions to restructure the distribution of power [1].
“Burnham proposed shifting political, investment, and decision-making power from London to regional authorities.”
This proposal represents a challenge to the traditional 'Westminster model' of governance, where power is concentrated in London. If implemented, it would move the UK toward a more federalized structure, potentially reducing the economic disparity between the southeast of England and the north. The success of such a shift would depend on the willingness of future administrations to relinquish statutory control over budgets and planning.
