Andy Burnham says he’ll deliver a circuit breaker to transform the U.K. economy if he becomes leader

Key Points:

• Andy Burnham, the likely next U.K. prime minister, pledged to decentralize power by giving local leaders greater autonomy and relocating part of the prime minister’s office from London to northwest England as part of a major power rebalance.
• Burnham proposed a 10-year plan called “Manchesterism” to stimulate growth nationwide by investing in transport, housing, infrastructure, industrial jobs, education, and reforming privatized utilities.
• He plans to create a new government office in Manchester, “No. 10 North,” to oversee regional development and grant regional mayors more control over housing, welfare, and education.
• Burnham’s speech lacked detailed funding plans and he faces challenges replicating his local success at the national level amid economic sluggishness, public service issues, and defense spending pressures.
• As the sole contender to replace Keir Starmer, Burnham is expected to become prime minister by July 20 but will inherit constraints from Labour’s 2024 platform and ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges.