Mayor Parker Welcomes Burnham's Devolution Pledge
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has described Andy Burnham's imminent appointment as Prime Minister as an "exciting" development for the region, highlighting the Greater Manchester Mayor's longstanding commitment to devolution. Burnham is set to become the seventh UK Prime Minister in a decade on Monday, July 20, following Sir Keir Starmer's formal resignation.
Speaking to BBC WM's Ed James show, Parker said Burnham's vision includes greater fiscal devolution, allowing regions like the West Midlands to retain a larger share of locally raised taxes. "That freedom and ability to use those resources in a more focused way allows me to make a bigger difference to the people in this region," Parker explained, citing potential investments in skills, social housing, transport, and business support.
Burnham's Priorities for the Everyday Economy
Parker, who attended a Burnham speech in Manchester recently and exchanged messages over the weekend, outlined key areas where he expects the new PM to act swiftly. These include keeping public transport fares down, investing in affordable housing, and supporting the hospitality industry to revitalise high streets. "All those things are about impacting on the everyday economy and helping our communities," Parker said.
He also noted that while a new budget may take months, Burnham has already signalled policy changes on the cost of living. "Announcing policy changes that are far more tangible to people in their daily lives," Parker added, expressing confidence that residents will feel a difference under Burnham's leadership.
Regional Leaders Await Cabinet Appointments
Parker acknowledged rumours that Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood could become chancellor in Burnham's cabinet but stressed his priority is building a strong working relationship with whoever holds the post. "It's my job to have a good relationship with whomever is in the job," he said.
The mayor's comments come as the West Midlands seeks to deepen its devolution deal, with Parker pushing for more control over skills, transport, and housing budgets. Burnham's ascent to Number 10 is seen as a potential catalyst for further decentralisation, benefiting regions beyond Greater Manchester.
