Angela Rayner has thrown her support behind Andy Burnham’s plans to shift power away from Westminster, insisting his vision for greater devolution is about benefiting communities across the country rather than creating a North versus South divide.
Speaking during a visit to Newcastle, the former Deputy Prime Minister backed Burnham’s proposal to transfer more funding and decision making powers from Whitehall to local leaders as part of his leadership campaign.
Burnham has pledged to create a new branch of the Downing Street operation based in Manchester under a proposal dubbed “Number 10 North”, alongside handing greater powers to metro mayors and regional authorities.
The Greater Manchester Mayor is widely expected to become Labour’s next leader after securing the backing of hundreds of MPs on the opening day of nominations. Defence minister Al Carns, who had been considered a potential rival, has already ruled himself out of the contest.
Some critics have dismissed the Number 10 North proposal as a gimmick, but Rayner said the policy was about creating opportunities in every part of the country. Speaking at the North East Child Poverty Summit at the Vertu Motors Arena, she said: “This is not a North versus South thing.
“It is about all areas. Andy talked about every postcode. It is about everyone feeling they can reach their full potential.”
She added that communities across the country wanted the same things regardless of where they were based. “People want to feel a sense of pride and optimism that there is opportunity for them. That is what Andy is articulating and that is what we all want to deliver,” she said.
Rayner also argued that Burnham would bring renewed energy to the Labour government following disappointing local election results earlier this year. She said: “Andy says he wants to deliver that manifesto.
“There is a lot under way and I think Andy will bring the fresh enthusiasm to drive it forward.”
The Ashton-under-Lyne MP dismissed suggestions that her support for Burnham was linked to securing a future cabinet position, saying her focus remained on delivering policies rather than seeking a specific role.
“It is not about what job you think you can get,” she said.
“It is about what you can deliver and where your place is in that delivery for the people you represent.”
Burnham’s leadership campaign has centred heavily on devolution, with proposals to hand more control over transport, housing, skills and economic development to local areas.
Supporters argue that moving decision making closer to communities would help tackle regional inequalities and allow local leaders to respond more effectively to local challenges.
If elected, Burnham has pledged to continue Labour’s programme of devolution while expanding powers available to regional authorities across England.
