The Independent
·Jul 2026
Ed Davey warns Andy Burnham over London–Manchester power bubble
Ed Davey criticised Andy Burnham’s plan to establish a Manchester-based ‘No 10 North’, warning that it risks creating a new power bubble that overlooks regions outside London and Manchester. He argued that communities across the UK, particularly in the South West, feel neglected and urged Burnham to prioritise restoring services and empowering local areas. Burnham has secured overwhelming support from Labour MPs to succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister and has also signalled a shift in Labour’s stance on Israel and Gaza by apologising for the party’s earlier response.