By Cllr Ibrahim Dogus
As Andy Burnham enters Downing Street as Prime Minister, Britain stands at a pivotal moment. After years in which many people have felt Westminster has become distant, over-centralised and disconnected from everyday life, the country finally has a leader whose politics have been shaped by communities rather than corridors of power. Throughout his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham demonstrated that devolved leadership, practical reform and a relentless focus on improving people’s lives can deliver real change. He now has the opportunity to bring that approach to the whole of the United Kingdom.
Burnham’s journey from Greater Manchester Mayor to Prime Minister reflects the best traditions of the Labour movement: combining social justice with practical delivery. In Greater Manchester, he oversaw the introduction of the Bee Network’s bus franchising system, championed initiatives such as A Bed Every Night to tackle homelessness, supported the regeneration of communities too often overlooked by Westminster, and helped establish Greater Manchester as one of the UK’s strongest-performing city regions. These achievements were not abstract policy ambitions; they translated into better transport, stronger local leadership and renewed confidence in communities.
Perhaps Burnham’s greatest political strength is not simply the policies he advocates, but the way he leads. Throughout his time as Mayor, he earned a reputation for being visible during times of crisis, listening to local communities and speaking plainly about the challenges facing ordinary families. At a time when public trust in politics has been tested, that authenticity may prove to be one of his greatest assets as Prime Minister.
In speeches delivered during his leadership campaign and in his first remarks as Prime Minister, Burnham has consistently argued that Britain’s highly centralised system of government is no longer fit for purpose. His answer is what he has described as the biggest rebalancing of power in modern Britain, placing more decision-making closer to the communities it affects. Central to that vision is No. 10 North in Manchester—a new centre of government intended to symbolise a permanent shift away from Whitehall’s dominance and towards genuine partnership with Britain’s regions and nations.
But this agenda goes far beyond constitutional reform. Burnham has outlined a long-term mission to raise living standards through three broad priorities: reforming essential public services and utilities to strengthen public accountability; rebuilding Britain’s industrial strength through modern manufacturing, strategic public procurement and investment in high-quality jobs; and regenerating towns, cities and communities that have too often been left behind.
Alongside this, he has pledged one of the most ambitious programmes of council housebuilding in decades, making better use of public land while expanding Housing First principles to tackle homelessness more effectively.
Among his first priorities as Prime Minister has been making the eradication of rough sleeping a national mission, sending an important signal about the values that will underpin his government. It reflects a broader belief that economic success should ultimately be measured not only by GDP, but by whether families can afford a decent standard of living, young people can look forward with confidence, and older generations can retire with dignity. Burnham has committed himself to immediate action on the cost of living while maintaining fiscal responsibility, alongside a ten-year programme to reshape Britain’s economy around fairness, resilience and opportunity.
Turning that vision into reality will not be easy. Years of sluggish economic growth, pressure on public finances and widening regional inequalities cannot be reversed overnight. Success will require difficult decisions, sustained investment and genuine partnership between central government, devolved administrations, local authorities, businesses, trade unions and civil society. Yet recognising the scale of the challenge should strengthen—not diminish—the ambition to meet it.
As a Labour councillor representing Waterloo and South Bank in Lambeth, I see every day how over-centralised government often fails local communities. Whether it is the pressure on housing, the challenges facing high streets and small businesses, or the need for better public services, local leaders are frequently expected to solve problems without having the powers or resources to do so. Devolution is not an abstract constitutional debate; it is about giving communities the ability to improve people’s lives.
Burnham’s collaborative, place-based approach—sometimes described as “Manchesterism”—offers a compelling model for national renewal. It recognises that successful economic growth depends upon strong partnerships between local government, businesses, universities, trade unions, voluntary organisations and local communities. Rather than imposing solutions from Whitehall, it seeks to empower those who understand their areas best.
Importantly, this vision extends beyond England. A more balanced United Kingdom requires stronger partnerships with Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and every English region, recognising that prosperity should never depend upon postcode. By sharing power more fairly across the country, Britain can become stronger, more resilient and more united.
This is a genuine opportunity to reset Britain’s direction. After years of political instability, sluggish growth and declining public confidence, Andy Burnham’s leadership offers the prospect of rebuilding trust through practical delivery—on housing, transport, jobs, regeneration and public services. Success will not come overnight, but there is now a clear sense of purpose and a willingness to think differently about how Britain is governed.
For too long, our politics has been dominated by short-term thinking and excessive centralisation. Andy Burnham’s premiership offers the chance to replace both with long-term leadership, empowered communities and a government that measures success not simply by economic growth, but by whether people’s lives genuinely improve.
The tide is beginning to turn. If this government can match its ambition with delivery, Britain has every reason to look to the future with renewed confidence and optimism.
Ibrahim Dogus is Director of CEFTUS.org, former Parliamentary candidate, Director of Labour Home, chair of SME4Labour and Councillor in Lambeth.
