Labour politician Andy Burnham is set to announce a decentralized economic framework in Manchester on Monday, June 29, 2026, marking his first major policy statement since Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned last week.
Burnham is currently the sole candidate to succeed Starmer, potentially assuming the premiership by mid-July.
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Key Proposals
His economic platform, dubbed "Manchesterism," focuses on shifting power away from London through a business-friendly socialist model that rejects trickle-down economics.
A central component involves establishing a coordinated regional administration to oversee the redistribution of national authority to local communities.
"The speech's central proposal is the biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times, with decision-making pushed to regions and local communities," stated Burnham's press office.
The framework also introduces an administrative hub called "No 10 North" to coordinate regional growth strategies across the country.
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"Andy wants to see that right round the country - communities in every part of Britain being able to seize their own agenda," said Lucy Powell, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
Other proposals include moving specific government operations to Manchester, public control over transport, water, and energy networks, and business rate reductions for local entertainment venues.
Government officials have indicated the transition will respect established fiscal frameworks while allowing room for policy discussions.
"Conversations" on some policies are expected, but Burnham remains committed to the manifesto that secured a majority two years ago, stated Government Minister Steve Reed.
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The potential leadership transition has drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump describing Burnham as an "extremely liberal" politician who likely "won't open up" the North Sea to oil and gas drilling.
