Burnham Promises to Devolve Power Away from London
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has backed Andy Burnham's bid to become Prime Minister, praising his commitment to devolution and understanding of regional needs. Burnham, the new Makerfield MP and former Greater Manchester Mayor, made a speech on Monday promising to take control out of London and give more powers to metro mayors.
Parker, who attended the speech, said Burnham's approach would be good news for the West Midlands. "I think the speech showed Andy understands places like ours," Parker said. He highlighted how both Manchester and West Midlands communities shared similar experiences of industrial decline and austerity.
Focus on Practical Issues
Parker praised Burnham's focus on practical issues that matter to residents, such as reliable public transport and vibrant town centres. He said Burnham "has shown what it looks like when a leader starts from the place they are in and works up, instead of starting in Whitehall and working down."
The West Midlands Mayor emphasised that people want simple improvements like buses that arrive on time, thriving high streets, and genuine pathways to decent jobs. He argued that mayors are best placed to deliver these changes as "the delivery arm of government."
Centralisation Concerns
Burnham's message focused on giving regions more control over buses, town centres, and skills funding rather than decisions being made in Whitehall offices. Parker noted that Britain remains "one of the most centralised countries in the developed world" with less than £5 in every £100 of tax going to regional government.
Parker concluded that the real test for any Prime Minister is "what actually changes for the person standing at the bus stop, or walking through their town centre on a Saturday morning."
