Burnham to promise devolution in first major speech since launching No 10 bid

Andy Burnham will give a major policy speech later, his first since launching a bid to become prime minister, in which he will announce plans for a "No 10 North". Speaking in Manchester, Burnham is expected to say the body will be tasked with driving growth "across every nation and region of the UK" as he vows to put devolution at the heart of his programme for government. He will set out a commitment for a "10-year mission" to raise living standards, as well as proposals on youth employment, in order to "lift Britain back up to where it should be". In the event no other Labour MP puts themselves forward to be leader, Burnham is expected to become prime minister on 20 July. He has faced calls from opposition parties to set out his plans, confirm who he intends to appoint to his cabinet and explain whether or not he will deviate from Labour's 2024 manifesto. In Monday's speech Burnham is expected to say the government must "give Britain the circuit-breaker it needs", as well as address his view of why there is low public trust in politics. He will say decision-making needs to be "pushed to regions and local communities", and will promise "good growth in every postcode". Burnham has signalled he will stick to the fiscal rules set out by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who he is expected to replace if he becomes prime minister. …