'Andy Burnham must set out his stall in the next three weeks to make real change'

Andy Burnham, the Merseyside-born MP for Makerfield, is set to become Prime Minister following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. With a recent by-election victory and an expected unopposed Labour leadership contest, he could be the nation's leader as early as July.

In his first major policy speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester on Monday, Burnham will set out ambitious plans focused on fundamentally changing how Britain is run. He will call for "the biggest transfer of power out of Westminster in a generation" with decision-making moved to regions and local communities.

A ten-year mission to raise living standards through reindustrialisation, housing, infrastructure and utility reform will form his vision's cornerstone. His proposed "Number 10 North" would relocate part of the Downing Street operation to Manchester. He will advocate for "good growth in every postcode" through locally-driven economic development, replacing the centralised, top-down model.

Burnham's approach emphasises a new political culture focusing on "place before party problem-solving before point-scoring and long-term thinking over short-term politics." He will commit to reforming public procurement to support British jobs and industry, alongside education reforms ensuring parity between technical and academic routes.

On fiscal policy, Burnham has ruled out increases to income tax, VAT, or employee national insurance contributions. However, inheritance tax changes and potential adjustments to the 50p top rate remain possibilities.

The real test will be practical results: "better homes decent jobs stronger industry improved education and rising living standards in every postcode." Burnham may soon inherit power, but should be judged by how boldly he shares it. The next three weeks before entering Number 10 are crucial for setting out his stall and putting ideas up for proper scrutiny.