Britain's Likely Next PM Andy Burnham Unveils 10-Year Reform Plan

Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister and replace Keir Starmer on July 20 if unopposed, has pledged a radical overhaul of government, promising what he called “the greatest redistribution of power" in British history to strengthen the regions and reduce Westminster's dominance.

Speaking in Manchester, Burnham outlined a 10-year programme that includes the largest council housebuilding drive since the Second World War, reindustrialization and devolving greater control over public services to local authorities. He also announced plans to establish a “No. 10 North" office in Manchester to oversee housing and infrastructure reforms.

The former Greater Manchester mayor said his cooperative approach would help counter the rise of Reform UK while maintaining strict fiscal discipline. Financial markets reacted calmly to the proposals, though analysts and political opponents criticised the lack of detail on how the plans would be funded.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Burnham had no credible plan and was attempting to shift responsibility onto regional mayors. Reform UK described his expected accession to Downing Street without a general election as a “coup" and renewed calls for an early parliamentary election. Burnham acknowledged that weak economic growth and the cost-of-living crisis would leave his government with limited room for manoeuvre.

(Reuters, Max)