Angela Rayner has publicly praised Andy Burnham’s record on devolution as speculation continues about her role in a potential Burnham-led government. Speaking at an event marking 40 years of the New Economics Foundation think tank, Rayner described Manchester’s public transport network, the Bee Network, as the “biggest success story” of devolution outside London—a nod to Burnham’s leadership as Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Rayner, who served as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government before resigning last year over a stamp duty issue on a second home, used the occasion to advocate for a deeper and more radical transfer of power and funding to regional authorities across England. She highlighted her previous efforts introducing the Overnight Visitor Levy, allowing mayoral authorities to charge tourists for hotel stays, as an example of overcoming institutional resistance to fiscal devolution.
The Labour politician also emphasized the importance of empowering local leaders to intervene in neglected historic properties, such as the Old Town Hall in Sheffield and Manchester’s Theatre Royal, suggesting mayors should have the authority to compel sales or leases to prevent such buildings from falling into disrepair.
Rayner’s remarks closely mirror Burnham’s recent calls for extensive devolution, including shifting substantial economic power and resources from central government to town halls. At a separate event earlier this week, Burnham outlined plans for regional empowerment and promised a significant council house building programme, aiming for the largest since the post-war era. This had reinforced speculation that Rayner is positioning herself for a return to Cabinet, potentially resuming her role overseeing housing, although insiders suggest she is not part of Burnham’s inner circle, which currently includes figures such as Louise Haigh and Anneliese Midgley.
Reports have been mixed regarding Rayner’s standing in Burnham’s team. Some briefings indicate she has been sidelined in the formation of his government, while others suggest she has been advising on devolution policy. Allies of Rayner have acknowledged the situation as complex, noting no official offer of a role has been confirmed.
Meanwhile, Burnham is reportedly considering structural changes to the governmental departments responsible for housing and communities. Proposals include creating a dedicated ministry for housing and transforming the Department for Culture, Media and Sport into a super-department with added responsibility for community affairs, reflecting his prioritization of local empowerment.
Rayner stressed that economic growth hinges on a cultural shift away from centralization, which she argued remains deeply entrenched and continues to hamper the economy by concentrating power in Westminster. She called for backing mayors who want franchised bus networks, building on the success of the Bee Network as a model for reversing decades of fragmented and private bus services.
The ongoing discussion highlights Labour’s focus on devolution as a central political theme, intertwining Burnham’s leadership ambitions with Rayner’s policy agenda as they both advocate for increasing regional autonomy to drive growth and regeneration across England.