Andy Burnham Unveils Plans for Local Leadership to Boost U.K. Economy

WHO:

ABC News - Andy Burnham, Britain’s presumptive next prime minister

ABC News - Keir Starmer, current Prime Minister, who announced his resignation

ABC News - Kevin Hollinrake, opposition Conservative Party Chairman

WHAT:

ABC News - Burnham will announce plans to give more powers to local government to spread wealth and economic growth.

ABC News - Burnham's speech will include a commitment to create new industrial jobs and better educational opportunities.

ABC News - Burnham plans to reform the U.K.’s privatized water and energy utilities.

ABC News - Burnham won a special election for a seat in Parliament on June 18 and was sworn in on June 22.

ABC News - If no other contenders enter the Labour Party leadership contest, Burnham will become prime minister by July 20.

WHERE:

ABC News - The speech will take place in Manchester, England.

ABC News - Burnham served as mayor of Greater Manchester for nine years.

WHEN:

ABC News - Burnham's speech is scheduled for a Monday.

ABC News - The NATO summit is set for July 7 and 8.

WHY:

ABC News - Burnham aims to replicate his successful approach in Greater Manchester on a nationwide level to address wealth concentration in London and the south of England.

ABC News - The U.K. is under pressure to increase defense spending due to a more aggressive Russia and less reliable United States.

HOW:

ABC News - Burnham plans to harness private and public money to invest in transport, housing, and infrastructure.

(UPDATED June 29, 2026 14:22 UTC)

Andy Burnham, Britain's presumptive next prime minister, is set to deliver a speech in Manchester where he will outline plans to empower local governments and promote economic growth. His proposals include creating new industrial jobs, improving educational opportunities, and reforming the U.K.'s privatized water and energy utilities, with the aim of addressing wealth concentration in London and the south of England. If no other contenders enter the Labour Party leadership contest, Burnham is expected to officially become prime minister by July 20.