Andy Burnham's devolution revolution pledge for more local powers to 'rewire Britain'

Andy Burnham has pledged to "rewire Britain" and return power to local communities after 14 years of Conservative neglect. The Makerfield MP will deliver his first major speech as Labour's likely next prime minister in Manchester on Monday, setting out plans to put devolution at the heart of his Downing Street agenda.

Burnham will promise a "decade of rewiring Britain" focused on lifting communities that have been "neglected or overlooked." According to sources familiar with the speech, he aims for "a place first approach with placing people at the heart of things," with devolution central to his platform.

The former Greater Manchester mayor plans to deliver "good growth in every postcode" through what allies describe as the biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times. Combined authorities would keep 100% of business rate increases to attract investment. Regional mayors would gain greater control over social housing, welfare, and post-16 education.

Among his ambitions are establishing a No 10 in the North and a 10-year mission to raise living standards through reindustrialisation, housing, infrastructure, and utilities reform. He plans reforms to public procurement focused on buying British.

Burnham, expected to become prime minister within three weeks, acknowledged his generation of politicians "haven't met the moment" and the current "political and economic model" is "broken." He is calling for a new culture emphasizing "place before party, problem-solving before point-scoring, and long-term thinking."

His vision builds on Head North, co-written with Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram. Rotheram has backed Burnham, stating "He knows that people want politicians who listen and then act" and he could "unite progressive voters while also winning back people who have drifted away from us."