The clearest of Andy Burnham’s proposed policies is introducing greater levels of devolution – the handing over of more power from Westminster to regional and local authorities. Michael Kenny, Head of the Bennett School of Public Policy, writes for The Conversation, about the upcoming challenges, and potential solutions, if Burnham presses ahead with this policy.
Broadening and deepening English devolution may well be signature policies of an upcoming government led by Andy Burnham, but how will he handle the politics of an increasingly fractured UK?
All of the UK’s devolved national governments are now led by parties formally committed to the secession of their territory from the union – and in the Northern Irish case, to the cause of reunification with the Republic of Ireland.
This challenging situation has elicited barely a whisper at Westminster. But Burnham will be on the receiving end of the demands of political leaders championing their own territories and directing grievances and frustrations at his government.
This means understanding the territorial levels at which the key responsibilities and levers sit in the UK’s complicated government system. And it means developing a strategic sense of which of his own core objectives – such as “good growth” – may at times require partnership with these administrations.
It also means figuring out how to balance his commitment to the principle of devolved autonomy with the shared interests and needs of the whole UK – not least for a healthier and fairer economy.
Given that this objective will create political challenges on both sides, Burnham’s ability to work across territorial and party lines – as he has often done as mayor of Greater Manchester – may well prove to be a useful asset.
He would be well advised to hold a meeting of the Council of the Nations and Regions in his first 100 days, to try to reset these key intergovernmental relationships. But he also needs to steel himself for the conflicts that inevitably lie ahead.
This is an extract from an article published by The Conversation.
Image: Andy Burnham speaking at the Bennett School of Public Policy 2026
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the Bennett School of Public Policy.
