Andy Burnham promises devolution and fiscal discipline as UK's likely next prime minister

Andy Burnham, the Labour MP expected to succeed Keir Starmer as British prime minister, delivered his first major speech in Manchester. He reaffirmed commitment to Labour’s 2024 fiscal rules – balancing day‑to‑day spending with revenue, reducing debt as a share of output and avoiding new taxes on working people.

Burnham pledged the "biggest rebalancing of power" in modern British history, proposing a "Number 10 North" in Manchester to shift decision‑making from Whitehall to the regions. He outlined plans for a large public‑housing programme, greater public control of utilities and transport, and a “complete rethink” of education and skills policy. Business leaders welcomed his emphasis on supporting British suppliers and investing in regional infrastructure.

Analysts noted that while the Labour manifesto rules out raising income tax, national insurance or VAT, Burnham may still face pressure to increase other taxes to fund defence and other priorities, with proposals ranging from a bank surcharge to a property‑value tax.