Burnham Assumes Premiership, Vows New Era of Devolution

Andy Burnham issued a letter of thanks to the people of Greater Manchester, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his tenure.

The Manchester Arena attack, occurring early in Burnham's time as Mayor, solidified the worker bee as a symbol of the city region's enduring spirit.

Beyond this local tragedy, Burnham emerged as a vocal critic of Westminster's handling of the pandemic, stating the central government attempted to impose restrictions without providing necessary support.

He stood his ground against these restrictions, feeling the collective will of Greater Manchester pulling together behind him.

A different kind of politics has taken root in Greater Manchester, Burnham believes: one prioritizing place over party, problem-solving over point-scoring, and long-term vision over short-term gains.

The Bee Network exemplifies this approach, enabling a care worker in Wigan to reach home and a teenager in Oldham to attend college.

Furthermore, the A Bed Every Night initiative has provided a door, a hot meal, and crucial assistance for people sleeping rough in Manchester or Salford.

Renewing town centres has instilled new confidence in places like Stockport, showing the tangible impact of a focused local approach.

Winning more devolved power means families in Bolton, Bury, and Trafford no longer await Whitehall's notice.

He acknowledges that too many people still grapple with insecure housing, low pay, and the escalating cost of everyday life.

Burnham was not born a Mancunian, but the place taught him that belonging demands showing up, putting in the work, and fighting for its people.

His promise made in 2017, 'I know it can be done because we have done it here,' now resonates with national implications.

Meanwhile, Andy Street, former West Midlands mayor, spoke at the Connections for Prosperity annual conference hosted by Centre for The New Midlands, stating Burnham's years as mayor provided the 'perfect training' for his new role.

Street confirms Burnham's transition team has thoroughly considered the journey from mayor to Prime Minister, meticulously preparing for the shift in governance.

He also confirms Burnham will push further on devolution, with fiscal devolution emerging as the next significant task, noting the inherent weakness of a mayoralty model where funding agreements originated in London.

Britain remains significantly behind the USA, France, and Germany on local tax retention, Street asserts, highlighting a historical disparity in fiscal autonomy.

A new Number 10 North will be established as a permanent part of the Prime Minister's operation, based in Greater Manchester, marking a profound geographical shift in the locus of power.

Burnham states Number 10 North will serve as the nerve centre of a rewired Britain, ensuring power and resources flow out of Westminster and into every region and nation.

He states he will never forget the people and place that demonstrated how the country could operate differently, anchoring his premiership in his regional roots.

Greater Manchester has shown what becomes possible when a place believes in itself, aligns its efforts, and pulls in a unified direction, Burnham states.

It is time to take Manchesterism to the country, Burnham declares, signalling a national application of his regional governance philosophy.

Separately, Richard Parker has engaged in direct communication with Andy Burnham regarding his plans for office and issues pertinent to the West Midlands agenda.

Parker confirms Burnham's commitment to devolution would allow him to commit more resources to transport, housing, skills, and the 'everyday economy' in the West Midlands.

People in the region will feel the difference once Mr. Burnham occupies Number 10 Downing Street, Parker anticipates.

Parker also confirms Burnham has already made a significant commitment to addressing the cost of living, announcing policy changes more directly impacting people's daily lives.

Burnham has committed to investing more in affordable and social housing, reducing costly rents for individuals often in work but holding lower-paid jobs, Parker states.

Parker expects Burnham to support the hospitality industry and to reinvigorate and reimagine high streets, addressing key economic sectors.

Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood would become Chancellor in Mr. Burnham's cabinet, Parker confirms, outlining a potential key appointment.

Burnham states Bev Craig will surpass his record as Mayor, with progress continuing under her vision, including free bus travel for young people, renewed high streets, more affordable homes, and growth shared across every borough.

He states people in Greater Manchester possess a finely tuned ability to detect nonsense and to inform politicians when they are overreaching, reflecting on the public's role in accountability.