Andy Burnham to set out his economic vision as he speeds toward power in Britain

MANCHESTER, England — MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Andy Burnham, the likely next U.K. prime minister, announced on Monday his plans to devolve more power by granting greater autonomy to local leaders in a move to rejuvenate the stagnant British government.

As the former mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham also revealed his intentions to relocate a portion of the prime minister’s office from London’s 10 Downing St. to the northwest of England as part of a comprehensive effort to redistribute power across the nation.

In a speech outlining his economic vision, Burnham emphasized the importance of nurturing growth from the grassroots level rather than imposing it from the top down. He highlighted his plans to address regional disparities and empower local councils to drive economic development.

With Prime Minister Keir Starmer stepping down, Burnham is poised to take on the leadership role with a promise to reverse years of low growth through his innovative “Manchesterism” approach, focusing on strategic investments in key sectors like transportation, housing, and education.

One of Burnham’s bold proposals includes the establishment of a new government office in Manchester, dubbed “No. 10 North,” which will oversee regional development and act as a catalyst for a more balanced distribution of resources and opportunities across the country.

While Burnham’s ambitious plans have garnered praise for their potential to reshape the political landscape, some experts caution that implementing such reforms on a national scale will require a fundamental shift in the traditional centralized model of governance.

As Burnham prepares to assume office, he faces challenges such as revitalizing the economy, improving public services, and addressing national security concerns, all within the constraints of his party’s existing policy framework.

The road ahead for Burnham is paved with obstacles, but his innovative approach and commitment to empowering local communities may hold the key to unlocking Britain’s full potential in the years to come.

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Lawless reported from London. Associated Press Writer Brian Melley contributed to this story.