Burnham Vows Pro-Business Stance as UK Prime Minister

Burnham's policy agenda includes a significant "rebalancing of power" away from central government in Whitehall, with English regions expected to gain more control over areas such as housing and transport. A new unit based in Manchester would be tasked with promoting "equivalent living conditions" across Britain, inspired by the German constitution. He also indicated a willingness to extend devolution settlements in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Regarding key sectors, Burnham has advocated for "greater public control" over the water and energy industries, suggesting a model similar to Greater Manchester's bus network where local authorities manage fares, timetables, and routes. He clarified that this does not necessarily imply full nationalization of utility firms, which would be a costly undertaking. However, he has specifically supported direct public ownership of Thames Water.

Furthermore, Burnham has promised the largest council house building program since the post-War period. This ambitious pledge is complicated by his commitment to adhere to the current government's debt and spending rules. He has also called for the entire 10-year £39 billion affordable housing budget for England to be allocated towards homes for social rent.