Andy Burnham, a Labour Party prime-ministerial candidate and former Greater Manchester mayor, proposed moving the center of UK power to Manchester in a policy speech Monday.
The proposal signals a fundamental shift in British governance by challenging the historic concentration of political authority in London. By advocating for a decentralized system, Burnham aims to address regional economic disparities and empower local administrations.
Speaking from the People's History Museum in Manchester, Burnham detailed a vision he called "No 10 North" [1, 2]. The plan focuses on handing more autonomy to local governments to boost regional economies and reduce the reliance on central government approval [1, 2].
Burnham highlighted seven primary promises during the address [3]. These include a restructuring of the national tax system to prioritize assets over income. He said that the current system disproportionately burdens workers while favoring those with significant holdings.
"We've overtaxed people's work and we've undertaxed people's assets and wealth and that balance should be put more right," Burnham said [4].
The candidate's strategy emphasizes a move away from the traditional Westminster model. He said that the government must "take power out of the centre" to ensure that local leaders can respond more effectively to the specific needs of their constituents [1].
This decentralization effort is paired with a broader economic agenda designed to revitalize the North of England. By shifting the administrative weight of the prime minister's office, Burnham suggests the UK can create a more balanced national economy that does not revolve solely around the capital city [1, 2].
The speech serves as a cornerstone of his bid for the prime-ministerial role, positioning him as a reformer willing to dismantle established bureaucratic structures in favor of regional empowerment [1, 2].
“"No 10 North"”
Burnham's proposal represents a direct challenge to the 'Westminster bubble,' suggesting that the UK's economic stagnation in the North is a result of centralized political control. If implemented, 'No 10 North' would not only change the geography of power but would likely require a significant constitutional shift in how local councils interact with the national treasury and the civil service.
