MANCHESTER — UK politician Andy Burnham announced plans for a new initiative called 'No 10 North' during a speech at the People's History Museum in Manchester. The initiative aims to oversee the devolution of power and resources across the United Kingdom.

Burnham stated 'No 10 North' would focus on three principal tasks: increasing public ownership of essential utilities, reindustrialising parts of the country, and regenerating towns. He described the Westminster system as "broken," stating, "Westminster has not been working for people and it has not been working for a very long time. In fact, it is broken. And as a result, the country isn't where it should be. It is stuck in a rut, and clearly we can't go on like this."

Burnham pledged the biggest council housebuilding programme since the postwar period. He also stated he would order Whitehall to back British firms bidding for public contracts, even if this cost taxpayers more. According to Burnham, his programme is backed by "the discipline that comes from sound public finances." He said, "I will do my very best to deliver it, and whilst not taking risks with the public finances, will seek to give Britain some breathing space as soon as I can."

The politician stated, "We can't go through another decade like the one we just had. We need a new determination to raise living standards ... We need to change politics and we need to do it now." He added, "Let me say this very directly: the days of Whitehall fighting the devolution of power into the regions and nations are over for good."

Burnham also promised to expand technical education to provide every young person a "clear path" into a reindustrialised Britain. He previously served in the last Labour government and sat on the opposition benches until he became mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham is expected to become prime minister on 20 July 2025 unless he is challenged for the Labour leadership.