Andy Burnham’s No 10 North Vision Has Britain Talking

Andy Burnham used a major speech in Manchester to set out what he described as a new direction for Britain, with a strong focus on sharing power more widely and improving living standards over the next decade. Speaking at the People’s History Museum, the former Greater Manchester mayor outlined plans for a “No 10 North” in Manchester, which he said would help move decision-making away from Westminster and closer to communities across the country. Reports have described Burnham as the likely next UK prime minister, with his speech closely watched by voters, local leaders and financial markets.

A central part of his message was devolution. Burnham said the country needs a less centralised style of government, where towns, cities and regions have more influence over the choices that shape daily life. His proposed No 10 North would be designed to coordinate national and local government, with the aim of supporting growth in every part of Britain rather than leaving power concentrated in London.

Housing was another major theme. Burnham pointed to the pressure facing families, renters and councils, and said a large council housebuilding programme would be needed to give more people access to stable homes. His wider message was that a good home should be treated as a foundation for a better life, not as a distant ambition.

He also spoke about essential services such as water, energy, housing and transport. Rather than presenting this only as a political argument, Burnham framed it around everyday costs and reliability, saying local areas should have more power to shape services that people depend on. His experience with Greater Manchester’s Bee Network was used as an example of how local control can change public transport.

On work and welfare, Burnham said he wanted to give mayors more influence over employment support, especially through community-based organisations that people already trust. The aim, he suggested, would be to help people move towards secure work in a way that feels fair and lasting, rather than relying only on distant systems.

High streets also featured in the speech. Burnham said towns and local centres should not be seen as symbols of decline, but as places that can be rebuilt with more homes, more footfall and better support for pubs and small businesses. His tone here was one of renewal, with high streets presented as part of Britain’s possible comeback.

Burnham also touched on political culture, saying MPs should be able to represent their communities more authentically and that Westminster needs a more collaborative approach. He said he wanted to reduce the sense of fear around party discipline and create a broader, more inclusive style of leadership.

On tax and public finances, Burnham said his plans would stay within existing fiscal rules and remain consistent with Labour’s 2024 manifesto commitments. Reuters reported that he reaffirmed support for current fiscal discipline and manifesto pledges on income tax, national insurance and VAT.

Overall, the speech was built around a hopeful message: more power for local places, better homes, stronger high streets and a government that feels closer to people’s lives. Whether the plan can be delivered will be the question many will ask next, but Burnham clearly wanted the moment to feel like the beginning of a more optimistic chapter.

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