Andy Burnham to pledge ‘good growth in every postcode’ in devolution plan

Andy Burnham will pledge to deliver “good growth in every postcode” by overseeing a significant transfer of power out of Whitehall to local communities as he sets out his case for a decade as UK prime minister. In his first major speech since winning the Makerfield byelection, Burnham will argue for decision-making to be devolved to regions and communities to drive economic growth locally, replacing the current top-down national model. The former Greater Manchester mayor is understood to be considering handing local authorities some powers over taxes, including business rates, after Rachel Reeves acknowledged she had “unfinished business” on fiscal devolution . With Burnham on course to take over from Keir Starmer as prime minister in just three weeks’ time, he will begin to set out his platform for government in his speech, saying he will “lift Britain back up to where it should be”. Many Labour MPs are more hopeful about their party’s fortunes than they have been for months. Nevertheless, some remain concerned that Burnham is “underprepared” for government and anxious about the direction he will take the country. They will watch closely for any hint of whom he might pick as his chancellor – with Ed Miliband still thought to be the frontrunner, although other names are in the frame – and whether he will do more to reassure the markets. …