What Andy Burnham plans to do with Britain

Great Britain

What Andy Burnham plans to do with Britain

Growth, housing and more powers for mayors: Keir Starmer’s likely successor has a lot of plans for Great Britain. At the top is a redistribution of power.

In his first keynote speech after announcing his resignation Keir Starmer The potential new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has presented his vision for the United Kingdom.

Accordingly, the former mayor of the Greater Manchester region wants to focus on a comprehensive decentralization of politics away from the London government district of Westminster. This is intended to give municipalities and mayors more decision-making power.

He wanted to bring about “the biggest redistribution of power that our country has ever experienced,” said the Labor politician in Manchester and took credit for the government center. “To put it bluntly: the days of Whitehall fighting against the devolution of power to regions and countries are finally over.”

During his speech, Burnham was relaxed and joked with the audience while promising “radical change.” Westminster is “broken” and the United Kingdom is “at a dead end”. Starmer’s likely successor wants to pursue an optimistic ten-year mission, much of which is based on the policies he already pursued in Manchester:

• Shifting power from Westminster: The decentralization of British politics is at the heart of Burnham’s plans. As part of this, parts of the government apparatus from Downing Street are to be relocated to Manchester in the north of England with a “Number 10 North” office. Significantly more competencies should also be transferred to the individual regions.
• Improving living standards: There should be growth in “every postcode” in the future, according to the Labor politician. To do this, he wants to comprehensively reform trade tax in order to revitalize so-called “high streets” with pubs and retailers.
• Education: Burnham wants to promote equality between academic and vocational education. “The days of a school system that focuses exclusively on getting to university will come to an end.” More internships and training positions as well as better entry opportunities into the job market should also be created.
• Social policy: Burnham cited the housing crisis as an example of urgent social projects Great Britain. He promised “the largest program to build social housing since the post-war period.”

It is almost certain that Burnham will succeed Starmer, who announced his departure a week ago. So far he is the only candidate for the post of party leader and therefore prime minister. If this changes, Burnham will have to face an extensive party selection process. If no other Labor MP joins the race, Burnham will become head of government in July.