News / Politics
Godwin welcomes Burnham putting devolution ‘front-and-centre of the national conversation’
The current mayor of the West of England has welcomed plans from the former mayor of Greater Manchester to devolve more power to the regions.
In his first major policy speech since returning to Westminster, Andy Burnham pledged to “fix politics” by extending devolution.
The newly elected Makerfield MP said he will set up a ‘No 10 North’ in Manchester and “bring about the biggest rebalancing of power the country has ever seen”.
“Here’s the important thing; it will only be based here,” said Burnham at the People’s History Museum in Manchester.
“The job of No 10 North will be to make power flow into the Midlands, into the South West, into the East of England and yes, into London.”
In response to Burnham’s speech, West of England mayor Helen Godwin said: “I’m glad to see that devolution is front-and-centre of the national conversation.
“The West Country has to be at the heart of places getting more powers and more funding.
“That must be the case as the only expanding combined authority, with North Somerset joining, and as we push towards Established Strategic Authority status.
“As the country’s fastest-growing regional economy over the last five years, we can help power a bright future.
“The foundations for that have already been built, with the English Devolution & Community Empowerment Act now the law of the land.
“We have seen historic steps forward on devolution over recent months, with commitments to enable mayors to introduce overnight visitor levies and to retain some of the taxes raised from our communities.
“In this new chapter, our region now has a proper seat at the table.
“Our voice is now being heard and, just this spring, we brought together mayors and ministers here for the first time.
Already, we have set out our ambitious targets for new jobs and new homes.
“Through Kids Go Free, more than £1m is back in local families’ pockets – ahead of the £100m national roll-out this August.
“But more is needed to give people hope.
“Over the months ahead, we will be proudly making the case in Westminster and beyond at every opportunity to secure the investment that our region deserves – with a new £17bn Investment Prospectus – and make a difference for communities.
“Together, we can deliver change that people across the West of England can really see and feel.”
Main photo: Labour Party
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