Devolution: Burnham’s big idea — can it work?

Andy Burnham’s sudden ‘ascent’ from Greater Manchester mayor to prime minister in June/July 2026 was an unprecedented elevation, even in light of the recent accelerated turnover in British prime ministers. A key platform of his prime ministership is the devolution of power, symbolized by the establishment of Number 10 North in Manchester’s Albert Square. This session will examine the record of devolution, which first developed under Tony Blair’s premiership, with powers handed to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as with John Prescott’s creation of English regions. What are the opportunities and risks for political and economic revival via Andy Burnham’s approach to devolution?
Tutor: Simon Bulmer, Emeritus Professor, University of Sheffield