Rob Williams

The UK government’s Rewiring the State plan proposes a sweeping transfer of powers, funding and public-service responsibilities from Westminster and Whitehall to regional authorities, with a “Devolve by Default” mandate. Mayors would receive greater control over local tax revenues, transport, housing, skills, employment support, innovation and cultural funding, while new regional structures would align policing, fire, health and local government services. The strategy draws heavily on Andy Burnham’s Greater Manchester model, including the Bee Network. Supporters see devolution as a way to drive local economic growth and end councils’ dependence on central grants, but critics warn it could widen inequalities between prosperous and poorer regions, create major administrative disruption and prove difficult for central government to sustain. Further details are expected in an autumn Devolution White Paper and Fiscal Roadmap.

Bev Craig inherits a Greater Manchester mayoralty that is more influential, wealthier and better funded than it was in 2017, but the region's progress has been uneven. Income and investment remain concentrated in parts of Manchester, Salford, Stockport and Trafford, while deprivation has worsened notably in Oldham and child poverty affects 28% of children across the city region. Rising house prices have made areas such as Salford and Manchester less affordable, while rough sleeping has increased again after falling during the pandemic. More than 6,000 households, including over 9,100 children, were in temporary accommodation at the end of 2025, creating major financial pressures for councils. Craig's central challenge will be using expanded devolved powers to spread economic gains while addressing poverty, housing affordability and homelessness, many causes of which remain controlled by Westminster.

Greater Manchester’s upcoming mayoral election has struggled to attract national attention despite the rising power of the office and Andy Burnham’s departure to become Prime Minister. The campaign has been overshadowed by Burnham’s transition to Downing Street and the high‑profile Clacton by‑election involving Nigel Farage. Local turnout has historically been modest even as the mayoralty has gained significant authority over transport, policing, housing and economic development. Candidates have debated issues such as immigration, housing, gender identity and Labour’s regional record, yet no single defining issue has shaped the race. The muted profile of the election underscores how national politics continues to dominate public focus even as devolution expands, leaving Greater Manchester’s most consequential mayoral contest competing for attention.

Andy Burnham begins his premiership with a sweeping cabinet overhaul that removes close allies of the previous government and elevates figures aligned with his political approach, signalling a decisive shift in Labour leadership. His first speech as Prime Minister emphasises devolution, public service reform and a pledge to end rough sleeping nationwide, echoing commitments made during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester. The article highlights tensions between Burnham’s localist instincts and the demands of national governance, questions his ability to scale regional successes, and notes key omissions in his opening agenda, including immigration and detailed NHS commitments. Burnham’s blend of ruthlessness in appointments and optimism in rhetoric sets the tone for a premiership defined by high expectations and significant ideological ambition.