Burnham stakes leadership claim on English devolution in opening policy speech

Andy Burnham used his first major policy speech since entering the Labour leadership race to pitch a ten-year devolution plan. The Greater Manchester mayor, who announced his bid on 29 June, framed extended mayoral powers as the "circuit-breaker" needed for growth across England. The move positions him as the candidate most versed in sub-national governance, having pursued similar reforms in Greater Manchester since 2017.