Andy Burnham's Manchester devolution plan hit by £4.7bn defence funding gap

Andy Burnham travelled from Manchester to London to outline his vision for a new "Manchesterism" devolution model, proposing a northern base for the prime minister’s office and greater fiscal autonomy for local authorities. At the same time, Prime Minister Keir Starmer was meeting NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte and finalising the Defence Investment Plan, which Burnham said contains a £4.7 billion shortfall that could undermine his economic proposals.

Starmer warned Burnham that any successor will need to devote as much time to foreign affairs as to domestic issues, noting the volatile global environment. The discussion highlights the upcoming political transition in the UK, with Burnham positioning himself as a candidate who would base part of his leadership in Manchester and focus on cost‑of‑living and public‑service challenges while navigating the same international pressures faced by the current government.