New ‘No 10 North’ Plan Will Rebalance Power in Britain, Burnham Promises

New No 10 North plan will – Andy Burnham, the Labour leader, has unveiled a bold initiative to shift political power from London to regional hubs, introducing a new Downing Street team based in Manchester known as ‘No 10 North.’ In his first major speech since launching his bid for the prime ministership, Burnham emphasized this move as a pivotal step toward “reshaping the distribution of authority across the UK.” The plan aims to decentralize control, giving communities more autonomy and creating a system where “growth is fostered from the ground up,” rather than dictated from the capital.

Key Policies and Devolution Ambitions

Burnham’s vision includes a sweeping overhaul of governance, with a focus on redistributing power to regions and local authorities. Central to his agenda is a pledge to launch the most extensive council house construction program since the post-war era, aiming to address housing shortages and improve affordability. He also outlined plans for a “radical transformation” of the education system, prioritizing technical skills over university-centric models, and committing to welfare reforms that would balance fiscal responsibility with social support.

“Where young people need mental health support, that will be provided as part of in-work assistance,” Burnham stated, signaling a commitment to integrating care into employment programs. He argued that devolving decision-making to grassroots organizations—rather than relying on distant institutions—would better align with public trust and practical needs.

The new No 10 North unit would serve as a tool to achieve this decentralization, supporting regions in three core areas: reindustrializing key sectors, reforming essential utilities like energy and water, and revitalizing local economies. Burnham stressed that London’s centralized approach had “stifled progress” in cities like Manchester, advocating for a system where “public control of essential services is extended to communities.”

Political Context and Opposition Views

Burnham announced his candidacy to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader just over a week ago, following his election as the MP for Makerfield. As of now, he is the sole candidate in the race, with the possibility of becoming prime minister by 20 July if no other contenders emerge. His speech, delivered at the People’s History Museum, drew attention from notable figures including former mayors Steve Rotheram, Tracy Brabin, and Oliver Coppard. However, the address lacked detailed policy outlines, a departure from traditional political speeches, and Burnham chose not to field questions after his remarks.

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, criticized Burnham’s approach, suggesting that his support for devolution stemmed from a lack of clear direction. “He doesn’t know what to do so he wants to pass the problem to someone else,” she remarked, highlighting concerns that the plan might weaken national cohesion. Despite this, Burnham maintained that distributing authority would provide Britain with the “circuit-breaker” it needed to address regional disparities.

Devolution and the Role of Local Authorities

Burnham’s plan envisions expanding devolution beyond existing combined authorities, creating new opportunities for regions in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to gain more control over key policies. He argued that areas like Dundee and Bangor felt “equally distant” from Westminster as they did from their respective devolved assemblies, underscoring the need for deeper local empowerment. The new structure would allow cities and towns to manage critical services independently, with London retaining influence over areas such as education and housing.

Labour’s 2024 manifesto already outlined devolution goals, including extending powers to new regions and strengthening current combined authorities. In February 2025, Angela Rayner, then the local government secretary, proposed six new mayoral roles across Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Essex, Hampshire and Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton. Burnham’s speech aligns with these ambitions, positioning himself as a leader who can “drive growth in every postcode” through localized governance.

Reforms and the Path to Leadership

Burnham’s focus on education reform has been a recurring theme in his political career. He claimed the current system is too rigid, favoring university degrees over vocational training. “It has to start with the education system,” he said, calling for a “complete rethink” of how to prepare the next generation for success. This includes devolving employment support to mayors, a move he believes would make it easier for local leaders to tailor initiatives to regional needs.

On the economic front, Burnham reiterated his proposal to reform business rates, aiming to protect high street businesses and pubs from declining revenue. “Rather than being a symbol of decline, shouldn’t our high streets represent Britain’s renaissance?” he asked, framing his plan as a way to revive local commerce. The strategy also involves targeting welfare cuts in a manner that is both “fair and lasting,” with an emphasis on integrating support into work programs to reduce dependency.

Burnham’s political journey has been shaped by his tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester, where he witnessed firsthand how centralized decision-making can hinder local progress. His vision for No 10 North seeks to address this by creating a more responsive system where regions have the tools to drive their own development. While his plans are ambitious, they face challenges, including the need to convince Labour members of their viability and to navigate potential conflicts within the party.

Future Implications and the Road Ahead

If successful, Burnham’s plan could mark a significant shift in UK governance, reducing the dominance of Westminster and fostering a more collaborative approach between the capital and regions. His emphasis on grassroots engagement and local control suggests a government that prioritizes community-driven solutions. However, the effectiveness of this model will depend on how well it balances autonomy with national coordination.

As Burnham prepares to lead the Labour Party, his vision faces scrutiny from both allies and critics. His speech at the People’s History Museum provided a glimpse into his leadership style, blending bold promises with a focus on practical outcomes. Whether this approach will resonate with voters and secure his position as prime minister remains to be seen, but his commitment to redistributing power has already sparked debate across the political spectrum.