'People are desperate for change': Leeds MPs and leaders welcome Andy Burnham's devolution plans 'with open arms'

MPs and other political leaders in Leeds have welcomed the plans set out by the presumed future Prime Minister of the UK following a landmark speech where he promised a “new direction” for the country.

Andy Burnham said he will lead a decade-long plan to transform Britain by transferring power out of Whitehall and giving regions the ability to control essential utilities, transport and housing.

The prospective prime minister promised to set a “new direction” for the UK, with an outpost of 10 Downing Street based in Manchester to drive his plans to rewire the British state.

The Mayor for West Yorkshire said that Mr Burnham’s vision would “turbocharge” growth in the region while an open said that if he followed through with his plans, he would “welcome it with open arms”.

In his first major speech since Sir Keir Starmer announced he would be leaving Downing Street, Mr Burnham promised to give people hope for the future.

The Makerfield MP, who gave up being mayor of Greater Manchester to return to Parliament in a by-election earlier this month, said they Westminster system was “broken” and “as a result, the country isn’t where it should be”.

Mr Burnham, who could become prime minister on July 20 if he is the only contender to replace Sir Keir as Labour leader, said:

• The No 10 North operation would be the “nerve centre of a rewired Britain”, redistributing power and resources across the UK.
• It would oversee the “biggest council house building programme since the post war period”.
• As well as housing regions being able to take “greater public control of essential services” including water, energy and transport.

The proposals would bring about the “biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen”, Mr Burnham said as he promised to overcome Whitehall’s resistance to change.

“Let me say this very directly: the days of Whitehall fighting the devolution of power into the regions and nations are over for good.”

In an attempt to reassure the markets that he would not hike borrowing and taxes to pay for his plans, Mr Burnham promised his measures would be based on “the stability that comes from sound public finances” and “the discipline of our current fiscal rules”.

But he acknowledged that taxpayer-funded support would be needed to deal with the cost-of-living pressures facing households.

Tracy Brabin

The leader of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Tracy Brabin, was present at the Peoples’ History Museum in Manchester as Mr Burnham delivered the address.

She said: “Andy led the way in the devolution revolution, putting place before politics and changing Greater Manchester.

“We know devolution is already delivering for people in West Yorkshire - and these proposals will turbocharge our plans to build a West Yorkshire that works for all.

“People are desperate for change. Transferring more power to Mayors who know their areas best will help us lower the cost of living, regenerate our high streets and enable good growth across our regions.

“With his northern grit and determination to make politics work for ordinary people, I know Andy will have a profound impact on the future of this country.

“I look forward to working with him to continue delivering for the people we serve and ensuring a fair deal for the North.”

Mark Sewards MP

The MP for South Leeds and Morley, Mark Sewards, said: "As chair of the Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire All-Party Parliamentary Group, I welcome the broad theme of Andy’s speech today. Our APPG is finalising a list of proposals that we think will help foster growth in our region.

“Andy’s speech chimed with many of the discussions and much of the work we’ve done over the last 2 years. The policies and the detail will matter of course, but devolving real power to Yorkshire and Leeds is a good thing. We should have the real power to make decisions that match our ambitions.

“If Andy’s going to deliver that, then I’ll welcome it with open arms."

Richard Burgon MP

The MP for Leeds East Richard Burgon, who was a frequent critic of Sir Keir Starmer, said: "People across our region will be pleased to hear Andy Burnham talking about redistributing power and investment to areas like ours, and making clear that economic growth shouldn't just benefit the few but must be felt on every street across the country.

"For far too long, power has been concentrated in too few hands, with far too many decisions affecting our communities made hundreds of miles away in Westminster.

"I really support the call for a massive council house building programme, which is something our country desperately needs. It would not only help tackle the housing crisis but also create good local jobs, boost skills and revive local economies."

James Lewis

James Lewis, the leader of Leeds City Council, said that Mr Burnham's announcement for a huge increase in the amount of council housing was "music to my ears".

He said: "I will really look forward to working with Andy.

"There is already plenty of stuff we are working on, including the urban densification of the city centre, that makes sense with what he is saying."

He added: "He spent 10 years as the mayor of Manchester and really knows what the benefits of trams are."

The offices of fellow Leeds MPs Hilary Benn, Fabian Hamilton, Rachel Reeves, Alex Sobel and Katie White were also contacted for comment but did not respond.