Andy Burnham plans to ‘rewire’ British state to improve people’s lives across UK

In his first major speech since Keir Starmer announced he would be leaving Downing Street, Mr Burnham promised to give people hope for the future

Andy Burnham delivers a speech at the People’s History Museum, Manchester (Peter Byrne/PA)

Mon, 29 Jun, 2026 - 15:13

David Hughes, Christopher McKeon, George Lithgow and Pat Hurst, Press Association

Andy Burnham said he will lead a decade-long plan to transform the UK by transferring power out of Whitehall and giving regions the ability to control essential utilities, transport and housing.

The prospective UK prime minister promised to set a “new direction” for the country, with an outpost of 10 Downing Street based in Manchester to drive his plans to rewire the British state.