Andy Burnham used his first major speech since becoming Labour leader-in-waiting to promise the biggest shift of power away from Westminster in modern times, but made no mention of immigration and declined to take questions from journalists before leaving via a side exit.
Speaking at Manchester’s People’s History Museum on Monday, the Makerfield MP unveiled plans to establish a “No. 10 North” as the centrepiece of a decade-long programme to devolve power and investment to England’s regions. He said Britain was “stuck in a rut” after years of economic stagnation and pledged the “biggest rebalancing of power” in the country’s history.
Burnham argued that Whitehall had failed to deliver prosperity and promised the largest council house-building programme since the post-war era, alongside greater powers for mayors and local authorities.
Despite immigration dominating British political debate in recent years, Burnham did not address the issue during the speech. Nor did he outline any new policies on border control or asylum.
After receiving applause from supporters, Burnham left the venue without taking questions from the assembled press. Footage posted online by journalists showed him departing through a side entrance, prompting criticism from some reporters over the lack of media scrutiny.
