Andy Burnham pledges fiscal discipline and sweeping devolution in UK manifesto

Andy Burnham, the Labour MP seen as the sole declared successor to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, presented his economic programme in Manchester on 29 June. He reaffirmed commitment to the party’s 2024 manifesto and to existing fiscal rules, ruling out any tax rises for the working class.

Burnham announced what he called the "largest power reshuffle" in recent memory, proposing to shift major functions – housing, welfare, education and public procurement – from central government to local authorities. He also unveiled a new "No 10 North" hub in Manchester to coordinate regional development, re‑industrialisation, infrastructure and public‑service reform.

The plan includes a ten‑year agenda for affordable housing, technical‑vocational education and a greater emphasis on social outcomes in public contracts. Analysts note that, despite the political spotlight, Burnham is unlikely to alter Labour’s overall stance on the Israel‑Gaza conflict.