Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham proposed a major shift toward regional governance to counter the concentration of power in London during his first major policy speech since launching his bid to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader and U.K. prime minister, the Guardian reported June 29. Specifically, Burnham advocated for an expanded devolution program that would transfer powers over housing, transport, infrastructure and economic development from the central government to regional and city-region leaders, especially elected mayors. He paired this with an economic strategy aimed at reducing regional inequality and promoting "good growth in every postcode" through long-term investment outside the South East.

During the speech, Burnham also pledged support for job creation, skills development, and a significant expansion of council housebuilding to address affordability and supply. Overall, he framed these changes as part of a decade-long effort to tackle structural economic imbalances rather than short-term policy fixes.