Bringing Good Growth to the Heart of Government

Andy Burnham has spent years making the case for a different approach to economic growth, arguing for greater devolution, stronger local decision making and – more recently – an economy built around good growth.

He’s made his point. The challenge is turning that vision into a reality.

Now he’s definitely set to become PM, the economic development profession will be looking for early evidence that those ambitions are translating into government policy. His proposals for a No 10 North also offer the prospect of bringing regional economic development expertise closer to the heart of government. That means practical action that gives local leaders across the UK the powers, long-term certainty, and investment they need to unlock growth in their regions. Local economies need confidence that those reforms will be implemented with pace, purpose and certainty.

Governments aren’t judged by the promises they make in opposition. They’re judged by the decisions they make in office. We must see that good growth is becoming a governing principle rather than simply a political ambition. We must have early action that turns statements into meaningful change. And we must empower places with the tools, investment and long-term certainty they need to deliver lasting benefits for the communities they serve.

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