Andy Burnham rules out snap general election as he opens No 10 North
Andy Burnham has ruled out a snap general election, saying it would “postpone that essential work” of implementing his own version of Labour’s 2024 manifesto, reports BritPanorama.
On Friday, the prime minister opened a new headquarters for the centre of Government in Manchester, which has been named ‘No 10 North’. This initiative is part of his broader strategy to decentralize power from Westminster.
Mr Burnham is expected to work at No 10 North, located at Heron House in Manchester, once each week during his premiership. This reflects his commitment to shifting governmental operations closer to the regions.
In an interview with Manchester Evening News, the former mayor asserted he would not call for an election after assuming office just days ago. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the 2024 manifesto. “No I’m not. I don’t think that is right,” he stated.
“We live in a parliamentary democracy. There was a manifesto in 2024. I’m sticking to that manifesto. I’m bringing forward my version but it is still within that manifesto. I just think that we need to focus on making the country work,” he added.
Mr Burnham highlighted that calling a general election would divert focus from the pressing issues at hand, which he regards as his top priority. He also expressed a desire to approach politics differently compared to his tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester.
Reflecting on his new position, he admitted to missing his previous role and the connection he had with the region, which earned him the nickname ‘King of the North’. In a speech to his team and media, he articulated his vision for “getting Britain hoping again” and declared the opening of No 10 North as the “best day of my life.”
He described his return to the North West as a “full circle” moment since he had to leave the region to advance in his career, underscoring the historical challenge of opportunity being unevenly distributed across the UK.
“The country has always been a little like that, hasn’t it? That opportunity has not been evenly spread around the country, and not all places have felt that they are part of the national story, and that is what this Government is going to work every single day to change,” he remarked.
Emphasizing the ethos of No 10 North, Mr Burnham stated that it’s about empowering local communities to effect change, aligning with broader devolution initiatives across England.
The prime minister underscored that No 10 North plays a crucial role in fostering “good growth” throughout the country. He expressed a desire to create a unified team spirit across the UK, asserting that the new headquarters serves all regions, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
In a significant diplomatic move, Mr Burnham met for the first time with Scottish first minister John Swinney, and he conveyed that another independence referendum is “off limits.” He also engaged with Wales’s first minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, who advocated for extended devolved powers similar to those in Scotland.
Concluding his remarks at No 10 North, Mr Burnham addressed critics, particularly those in London who may dismiss the project as a “gimmick.” His commitment to reshaping governance remains resolute as he embarks on this new chapter.
