Burnham calls for ‘new deal’ for the North

By Ged Henderson

28 Feb 2025

Andy Burnham

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham today demanded a ‘new deal’ for the North.

Speaking at a press conference at the Convention of the North in Preston he highlighted transport and housing as two of the major areas that had to be addressed.

He told journalists: “The big message I think that needs to come out of this convention is we need a new deal for the North of England, for this parliament and for the next decade.

“We have had the false promises of Northern Powerhouse and Levelling Up, the North can’t repeatedly be given false promises. We need mayors and ministers working together to get that new deal.”

And he added: “If there is to be airport expansion in the south east and a new corridor between Oxford and Cambridge that is only justifiable if there is that new deal for the North to balance it.

“We can’t carry on the model of economic growth that is only based around London and the south east.”

Looking ahead to the government’s looming spending review, Labour mayor Mr Burnham said investment in major transport infrastructure projects in the North was vital if there was to be economic growth.

Speaking at the press conference, alongside fellow mayors from across the North and Aidy Riggott, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for economic development and growth, Mr Burnham said without that that investment the region and its people would remain at a disadvantage.

Earlier in the day, talking on the main stage of the conference, being held at the University of Lancashire, he highlighted a new public accounts committee report on the HS2 rail project. The northern leg of that high-speed rail link was scrapped by the previous Conservative government amid spiralling costs.

Mr Burnham said the report had confirmed that the West Coast mainline would reach its capacity in the second half of the 2030s, alongside a M6 motorway that would also be “full”.  And he added: "It is not acceptable that we don't have an alternative plan to stop that happening."

He repeated his call for a new rail line to connect the North West to the West Midlands and said if that did not happen HS2 would be a “monument to inequality.”

Turning towards housing, he called for a building programme across the North to deliver low carbon council houses and social housing, describing it as a “huge opportunity” to create jobs and skills.

The North will be the first part of England to be fully covered by devolution following recent government announcements, and the Northern mayors and leaders came together to highlight how they will work together with their devolved powers to drive economic growth and improve the lives of people across the region.

Liverpool city region mayor Steve Rotheram told the press conference: “Though we speak with different accents we all speak with one voice.”

Councillor Riggott said Lancashire’s new Combined County Authority marked a “step change” in the county’s devolution journey.

He also highlighted its newly published growth plan, which was launched at the conference and is being presented for consultation.

He said: “The growth plan is a real reminder how important our economy is, it is one of the biggest in the North, and the opportunities we have.”

 

Enjoyed this? Read more from Ged Henderson

Latest news

1

Inspired plc acquired by HGGC Inspired logo

Inspired plc acquired by HGGC

19 Aug 2025

2

Lancashire uniform provider acquired in £12.5m deal Trutex images

Lancashire uniform provider acquired in £12.5m deal

19 Aug 2025

3

Burnley aircraft firm sees profits soar Safran Nacelles

Burnley aircraft firm sees profits soar

19 Aug 2025

4

Lancashire marina bought by Aquavista Fettlers Wharf Marina

Lancashire marina bought by Aquavista

18 Aug 2025

5

Work starts on new business units at Enterprise Zone Danny Pinkus Cllr Mark Smith and Robert Pinkus at Phase Two Of Enterprise Court

Work starts on new business units at Enterprise Zone

15 Aug 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs
Sub36 Deaf Village Social1200
Networking
17 Sep 2025

Sub36 Networking - Follow the signs

The Deaf Village, Blackburn, BB2 5EN

10:00 - 12:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase
Linkedin Cover.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
03 Sep 2025 - 03 Sep 2025

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase

Harewood House , Leeds, LS17 9LG

09:30 - 16:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!
Preston Tech Connection Sept 25.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Sep 2025 - 16 Sep 2025

Preston Tech Connection - The Ultimate Tech Quiz!

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:00

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin