Burnham Declares End of Whitehall Resistance to Devolution Ahead of Key Meeting

POLICY WIRE — Manchester, UK — In a significant declaration, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has asserted that Whitehall’s era of opposing devolution is concluded. This announcement comes prior to his inaugural meeting at No 10 North, where he’s set to convene with leaders from various business representative organizations.

“The days of Whitehall resisting devolution are over,” Burnham stated. “This meeting marks a new chapter in our efforts to empower local governance — and address regional disparities.”

The No 10 North meeting, scheduled for next week, aims to foster collaboration between political and business leaders to drive forward devolution agendas. Burnham is expected to outline his vision for enhanced regional autonomy and discuss strategies for economic growth and public service improvement.

Attendees will include representatives from key business groups such as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), and local chambers of commerce. The discussions are anticipated to focus on leveraging devolution to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and ensure that regional voices are heard in national policy-making.

Burnham’s stance on devolution has been consistent, advocating for greater control over local affairs — and resources. His comments reflect a growing consensus among northern leaders that devolution is essential for addressing long-standing economic and social challenges.

The meeting also underscores the increasing importance of regional governance in the UK’s political landscape. As calls for devolution grow louder, particularly in the wake of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is under pressure to deliver on its promises of greater local control.

In recent months, several northern councils have pushed for more powers, citing the need for tailored solutions to regional issues. Burnham’s proactive approach and clear messaging ahead of the No 10 North meeting signal a potential shift in the dynamics of central-local relations.

As the meeting approaches, all eyes are on how the government will respond to the demands for devolution. The outcome could set the tone for future negotiations and the extent to which regional leaders will be able to influence national policy.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)