UK PM in waiting:Andy Burnham 10 year plan for defence housing and EU ties

Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham’s proposal to decentralize governmental power from Whitehall to regional authorities has garnered support from Cabinet minister Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister. During a recent event in London, Jones emphasized the necessity for Whitehall to adopt a less “parental” stance towards localities and to eliminate redundant roles, signaling potential job cuts within the civil service in London if Burnham’s plans are realized. He expressed strong backing for Burnham’s devolution strategies, labeling them a “clear warning” to Whitehall, and asserted that Westminster must have faith in local leaders to make effective decisions.

Jones also endorsed Burnham’s vision of establishing a “No 10 North” while advocating for a strengthened central government, suggesting the creation of a dedicated department for the Prime Minister in London. As Burnham is anticipated to assume the role of Prime Minister, his approach could significantly reshape the operational landscape of local and central governance.

Mr. Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, has articulated a vision for a “rewired Britain,” proposing a significant shift of power from Westminster to regional authorities. As he anticipates becoming prime minister this month following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation, he intends to establish a No 10 North in Manchester, designed to function as the central hub for this new governance framework.

Empowering Local Communities Across the UK

In remarks delivered at the Re:State think tank, Mr. Jones echoed Burnham sentiments regarding the excessive centralization of authority and administrative functions in Westminster. He forecast that several central government departments would likely contract as their authority is decentralized to localities.

In his Labour leadership campaign speech, Burnham emphasized his dedication to redistributing power throughout the UK, aiming to encourage sustainable growth in every region. He criticized the existing top-down governance model, claiming that senior civil servants in Whitehall have impeded development in Greater Manchester. Burnham argued for a transformative approach, stating, “It is time for Whitehall to accept that growth cannot be ordered from the top down – it can only be nurtured from the bottom up.” His agenda indicates a shift towards empowering local communities by devolving responsibilities and resources, fostering a more organic and regionally-driven growth strategy.

Mr. Jones emphasized that despite devolving powers to combined authorities, the headcount in London has notably increased rather than decreased, highlighting a crucial issue regarding true devolution. He warned Whitehall that the current trajectory suggests a need for genuine devolution, which should not translate into duplication of roles or responsibilities. Historically, efforts to replicate checks and balances within both regional and Westminster frameworks have led to increased bureaucracy and ineffective governance, countering the intended empowerment of local regions.

Jones Pushes for Greater Devolution

At the Remaking the State conference, he acknowledged Burnham’s perspective on how the overcentralization of power and red tape in Westminster limits growth and hinders strategic decision-making. Jones asserted that for devolution to be effective, there must be a shift in trust from Westminster to local leaders, advocating for accountability and autonomy instead of a paternalistic oversight that stifles regional development.

The statement emphasizes the need for changes within London departments as a reflection of genuine commitment to devolution. The speaker noted that if devolution reflects reality, it would necessitate re-evaluating the existence of certain government departments in the long run. In the shorter timeframe, he anticipates a transformation or reduction in their current structures. As chief secretary to the prime minister, Jones has been directly involved in implementing structural changes to government operations, which include various initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and policy execution. Specifically, in January, he unveiled a strategy to “rewire Whitehall,” which encompasses efforts to minimize bureaucratic obstacles and establish taskforces focused on achieving key policy objectives.

Political Reform Takes Priority Over Leadership Ambitions

Mr. Jones, previously viewed by Starmer loyalists as a potential contender for the Labour leadership position, has decided against running for the role, as well as for the position of Prime Minister. He expressed awareness of his potential redundancy in the near future should Mr. Burnham ascend to the premiership. Throughout his political discourse, Jones has frequently voiced concerns regarding the inefficacy of governmental operations, advocating for necessary reforms. At the Remaking the State conference, he reiterated his stance that while reforming governmental processes is essential, it can also divert focus from addressing the immediate concerns affecting citizens. He believes such changes can simultaneously pose distractions and offer significant opportunities for improvement.

Jones emphasizes the importance of seizing the current opportunity to reform the state and effectively address public needs, cautioning against the dangers posed by populists who aim to dismantle existing structures and abandon citizens. However, this emphasis on delivery teams has faced criticism for being overly centralizing, a concern raised in a co-authored article by Patrick Diamond, who previously led policy planning at No. 10 Downing Street.

The article critiques an approach to delivery, emphasizing that it sees delivery as a process of transferring control from central authorities to frontline entities. This perspective is criticized for not prioritizing the development of the capacities within institutions, localities, and services, which are essential for sustaining improvements after the central focus shifts away.

Burnham has not yet articulated the mechanisms of his proposal aimed at achieving “the biggest rebalancing of power our country has ever seen” in conjunction with the reforms initiated by Jones at Whitehall. This indicates a need for further clarity on how these two significant political agendas will intersect and cooperate.

Manchester at the Heart of Labour’s Devolution Plan

Burnham’s proposed new No 10 North in Manchester aims to facilitate a “power flow” across the country, emphasizing the importance of essential utilities, reindustrialization, and regeneration. This initiative seeks to enhance regional connectivity and bolster vital services, positioning Manchester as a critical hub for future development and economic revitalization.

He stated that commitment to devolution should lead to changes in the structure of London departments. When asked if the Government might need to reconsider the existence of certain departments with genuine devolution to the UK’s nations and regions, he indicated this might be necessary in the long run. In the short to medium term, he anticipated that departments would at least alter in structure or decrease in number. Mr. Jones was regarded by Starmer loyalists as a potential rival to Mr. Burnham, though he has decided against running for the Labour leadership and for the position of Prime Minister. He acknowledged the possibility of being “potentially redundant” in a few weeks if Mr. Burnham ascends to that role.