The rise of Manchester and its potential impact on the UK's future is a captivating narrative, with Andy Burnham at its heart. But what does his vision, dubbed 'Manchesterism', truly entail? And can it be replicated on a national scale?
Manchester's transformation is remarkable. Once a city grappling with de-industrialisation, it now boasts the fastest-growing economy in the country. This turnaround is partly due to a bold post-IRA bombing reconstruction plan, which involved demolishing damaged buildings and reshaping the city's geography. The local council, led by Sir Richard Leese and the late Sir Howard Bernstein, played a pivotal role in attracting private capital and international investment, focusing on brownfield sites.
One of the key figures in this story is Andy Burnham, who has been at the forefront of Manchester's resurgence. His ambition for the city is evident in his desire to host major sporting events and cultural attractions, like the women's football World Cup final and the Brit Awards. But his vision extends beyond these grand gestures.
Burnham's 'Manchesterism' is a political-economic philosophy that aims to transform the UK, addressing the over-centralisation of the British state. It draws from Manchester's historical blend of free markets and social consciousness, exemplified by the cotton traders' advocacy for free trade alongside the emergence of trade unions and the Suffragettes. However, it's a delicate balance, as some critics argue that the city's focus on its gleaming center has left other regions behind.
Burnham's recent book, 'Head North: A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain', co-authored with Steve Rotherham, outlines a 10-point plan to 'rewire' the country. This includes challenging established formulas like the Treasury's Green Book and the Barnett formula, which he believes favor the south of England and squeeze the north. He proposes a 'Basic Law' inspired by Germany, ensuring equivalent living standards across regions and empowering local governments.
Burnham's vision also encompasses significant constitutional changes, such as proportional representation and a 'Senate of the Nations and the Regions'. He advocates for devolution of power over public services and a 'Northern Way' approach to Net Zero, emphasizing subsidies and local industry. However, these ideas face practical challenges, including rising energy prices and the complexities of full tax and spend devolution.
As Burnham steps onto the national stage, questions arise. Can his Manchester model, which relies on private capital and a unique local context, be successfully applied to the entire UK? The city's success in attracting private investment might not easily translate to other regions. Moreover, balancing promises of limited borrowing and low taxes with ambitious infrastructure and defense plans will be a tightrope walk.
In my view, 'Manchesterism' is a compelling concept, but it must navigate the complexities of national governance. While Manchester's transformation is impressive, scaling it up to the UK level will require careful consideration of regional disparities and economic realities. The challenge for Burnham is to adapt his local success story into a sustainable national strategy, ensuring that the 'Manchester way' benefits all of Britain, not just the city itself.
