Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDan HaygarthSunday 28 June 2026 22:29 BSTMajor’s challenge to Burnham: ‘Britain must rejoin the EU single market in five years’Labour leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham is set to unveil plans for significant devolution and economic reform in a major speech in Manchester.His proposals include creating a 'No 10' in the North and a '10-year mission' focused on reindustrialisation, housing, infrastructure, and reforming essential utilities.Burnham aims for the biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall, giving regional mayors more control over social housing, welfare, and post-16 education.He will also commit to public procurement reform, prioritising 'buying British' to revive industry and secure social value, alongside education reforms for academic and technical parity.The speech comes as Burnham is expected to become Labour leader, with senior party figures dismissing calls for a general election and focusing on governing.In fullBurnham latest: Makerfield MP plots radical shift of power from Whitehall in new economic vision for BritainThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in