Tory grandee Michael Heseltine backs Andy Burnham’s No 10 North

Tory Grandee Michael Heseltine Supports Andy Burnham’s Vision for a Northern Leadership Hub

Tory grandee Michael Heseltine backs Andy - Michael Heseltine, a prominent figure in the Conservative Party, has expressed cautious optimism about Andy Burnham’s proposal for a "No 10 in the North." The former deputy prime minister, known for spearheading devolution efforts in the 1990s, called the idea "an important gesture in the right direction" during an interview with the Press Association. Heseltine’s endorsement highlights the growing cross-party interest in decentralizing political power, a shift that aligns with broader debates over the future of governance in the UK.

Devolution as a Cross-Party Priority

Speaking about Burnham’s ambitious plans, Heseltine emphasized that the success of such initiatives hinges on the leadership of the next prime minister. He argued that the broader vision outlined by Burnham, which includes empowering local leaders and redistributing authority across the UK, could have "very beneficial" consequences for the economy. The former Conservative minister, who played a key role in the 1991 reforms that introduced directly elected mayors, noted that Burnham’s approach represents a continuation of the devolution agenda that has been central to his political career.

“Creating a powerful No 10 unit, whether it’s in Manchester or in London or anywhere else, is an important gesture in the right direction.”

Burnham, the current leader of the Labour Party, has positioned himself as a bridge between traditional Westminster governance and a more localized model. His speech last week, which outlined a plan to "rewire" the British state, was met with praise from Heseltine, who described Burnham as "the manifestation of the dream" that had driven devolution efforts since the early 2000s. This sentiment reflects a shared belief among both Conservatives and Labour that decentralization is essential for modernizing the political system.

A Manchester-Based Leadership Outpost

Central to Burnham’s vision is the establishment of a symbolic representation of Downing Street in Manchester. The proposal, which aims to create a "nerve centre" for regional decision-making, is designed to accelerate the redistribution of power from Whitehall to local authorities. The initiative would focus on key priorities such as reindustrialization and fostering economic growth through localized policies. Heseltine acknowledged Manchester as "probably the most effective example of what David Cameron began to introduce" with his devolution reforms, which were championed by then-communities secretary Greg Clark.

While Heseltine praised the symbolic value of the Manchester outpost, he stressed that the location itself is secondary to the core objective of decentralization. In a recent interview, he remarked that the critical factor is "having a Prime Minister who is committed to the devolution agenda." Without such leadership, he warned, the fragmented nature of power in Whitehall could undermine the progress made by both parties in recent years.

Reed’s Backing and Cross-Party Collaboration

Housing Secretary Steve Reed has also lent his support to Burnham’s plan, describing it as a "great idea" that aligns with the Labour leader’s goal of advancing devolution "faster and further" than previous governments. Reed highlighted that while Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour administration has made a "fantastic start," Burnham’s leadership offers a clearer path to transformative change. "Andy has made clear he wants to go further and faster," Reed said, underscoring the importance of cross-party cooperation in achieving shared objectives.

“Andy is the present manifestation of the dream that people like me had when we started the journey to devolution.”

Burnham’s proposal has gained traction not only within Labour but also among Conservative allies. Heseltine, who once worked alongside Cameron to push for devolution, noted that Burnham’s ability to reach across political divides is a strength. "Andy Burnham, I thought, made a very sensible remark when he said he’s going to reach out across the political divide," the former Tory leader said. This approach is seen as crucial for uniting different factions and ensuring the devolution agenda remains a priority for all UK political parties.

Warnings on Local Tax Reforms

Despite his overall support, Heseltine cautioned against proposals to grant local leaders autonomy over setting and retaining business rates. In an interview, he advised Burnham to "look, don’t tinker around with local income tax or local rates, get on with the job of generating wealth," emphasizing the need for central government intervention to balance regional disparities. This perspective highlights a key debate within the devolution movement: the balance between granting local authority and maintaining national coherence.

Heseltine’s 2012 report, which became the blueprint for Cameron’s devolution policies, underscores his long-standing commitment to the cause. He described his relationship with Burnham, now the former Greater Manchester mayor, as "very good," acknowledging the Labour leader’s leadership skills and political acumen. "Certainly to me, I’ve been involved in this devolution agenda all my political life, what he was saying made sense," Heseltine added, expressing confidence in Burnham’s ability to carry the plan forward with determination.

Broader Implications and Political Context

Burnham’s plan for a northern leadership hub comes at a pivotal moment in UK politics. With the upcoming general election likely to see a shift in power, the proposal has been framed as a way to address regional inequalities and give more voice to areas historically overshadowed by London-centric governance. The idea of a Manchester-based "No 10" has sparked discussions about the symbolic and practical impact of such a move, particularly in terms of fostering a more inclusive political culture.

While the focus remains on devolution, the proposal has also drawn attention to other pressing issues, such as the £4.7bn funding gap left by Burnham’s predecessor in the Defence Secretary’s portfolio. This highlights the interconnected nature of political challenges, where decentralization efforts must also address financial and administrative concerns. Additionally, the recent by-election victories of two new Scottish MPs underscore the growing political landscape in Scotland, which is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of UK governance.

Education and the Future of Governance

As debates over devolution intensify, the question of education has emerged as a critical area for reform. Choosing the right education path for children is seen as a microcosm of the broader devolution strategy, where localized decision-making can lead to more tailored and effective policies. Burnham’s plan to rewire the British state includes initiatives to revamp educational frameworks, ensuring that regions like Greater Manchester can develop strategies that reflect their unique needs.

Heseltine’s endorsement of Burnham’s vision is part of a larger conversation about the future of the UK. He believes that by focusing on decentralization, the country can create a more dynamic and responsive political system. "This is not a public or private sector monopoly, it is mobilising and enthusing people up and down the power structure," Heseltine stated, emphasizing the need for collaboration across all levels of government.

Despite his support for Burnham, Heseltine also called for Labour and the Conservatives to work together in "exposing" Reform UK, which he views as an "extremist" proposition. This underscores the importance of maintaining a united front on devolution, even as political factions compete for influence. Burnham’s leadership, however, is seen as a stabilizing force in this process, with his ability to build consensus and drive progress being a key asset in the coming months.

As Burnham prepares to enter Downing Street, his vision for a "No 10 in the North" has the potential to redefine the political landscape. With figures like Heseltine and Reed backing his proposals, the plan is gaining momentum as a symbol of a more equitable and decentralized UK. Whether the focus is on economic growth, regional representation, or cross-party cooperation, Burnham’s leadership is being positioned as a critical step in the evolution of British governance.