Andy Burnham to Outline Devolution and Economic Plans in Monday Speech After Starmer Steps Down

Andy Burnham will outline his vision for Britain in a speech on Monday, his office said, with devolving power from London to regions and local communities as the central proposal. Burnham, who won a parliamentary by-election and was sworn in at the House of Commons on May 22, is the only declared candidate to replace Keir Starmer.

Starmer announced last week that he would step down as prime minister.

The speech will also commit to a 10-year mission to raise living standards through reindustrialization, housing, infrastructure and utilities reform, according to Burnham's office. It will include a pledge to reform public procurement to support British jobs and industry. Burnham previously served as mayor of Greater Manchester.

Japan Times reported that if installed, he would become Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade. Britain's economy is struggling from the impact of the war in Ukraine and the energy shock of the U.S. conflict with Iran, Japan Times reported.

Housing minister Steve Reed stated on Sunday that Burnham would stick to Labour's 2024 election commitments and the government's fiscal rules. Reed told Sky News that Burnham has been clear he will adhere to the fiscal rules that have delivered economic stability for the first time in over 15 years.