Northern leaders have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to forge a new partnership with the North of England, placing devolution at the heart of the Government’s plans for economic growth, prosperity and public sector reform.
In an open letter coordinated by The Great North, Northern mayors and civic leaders have welcomed the Prime Minister to Downing Street while urging him to adopt a "devolution-first" approach that gives local leaders greater powers, investment and freedoms to drive economic growth, strengthen communities and unlock opportunities across the region.
The letter argues that devolution has already transformed local leadership throughout the North, enabling regional leaders to deliver better outcomes for residents and businesses. However, it says the next phase of reform must go further, creating a more fundamental shift in the relationship between Westminster and England’s largest economic region.
Prime Minister Burnham, who was a founding member of The Great North during his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, has made devolution a cornerstone of his Government’s agenda. His plans include the creation of a "Number 10 North" designed to rebalance power, decision-making and prosperity across the UK.
The Great North is calling for the North of England to be recognised as a strategic partner in the governance of the United Kingdom, operating alongside the devolved administrations and benefiting from a stronger collective voice in national policy decisions.
The organisation has outlined five key priorities it wants the Government to deliver:
- Putting devolution at the heart of national policy.
- Building a globally competitive Northern economy by harnessing the region’s unique strengths.
- Unlocking investment through improved transport infrastructure and connectivity.
- Promoting the North internationally as a centre of innovation, culture and industry.
- Ensuring every community shares in economic growth and opportunity.
Chair of The Great North and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
“The North is mighty. We power Britain’s industries, produce world-leading innovation, create culture that is recognised around the world and are home to millions of talented people with huge ambition.
“Andy Burnham knows the North and the massive potential at our disposal. He helped shape The Great North and, as Mayor, consistently argued that Westminster had to trust places like ours with more power and responsibility.
“Now he has the opportunity to turn those arguments into lasting change – working us to create a more prosperous future for the North of England and the United Kingdom.
“The next chapter of devolution must be about a new relationship between national government and Northern leaders, recognised as a strategic partner in the governance of the UK, alongside the devolved nations.”
The letter signals growing confidence among Northern leaders that a strengthened devolution settlement could become a key driver of economic growth, regional productivity and public service innovation. With a new Government committed to decentralising power, leaders across the North are now pushing for long-term commitments that will enable communities, businesses and local authorities to shape their own futures.
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