Steve Reed, a former housing secretary and close ally of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, has cautioned that London's economic challenges should not be overlooked amid efforts to boost other regions under Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s devolution agenda. Writing in a recent commentary, Reed warned that attempts to improve the prosperity of areas outside London should not come at the expense of the capital.

Reed expressed concern that many people in southern England and the Midlands fear their regions could be disadvantaged by the current approach to devolution. He also highlighted a growing unease among Labour MPs that London’s particular issues might be underestimated now that most senior ministers responsible for devolution hail from northern constituencies.

He drew attention to persistent problems facing London, including significant child poverty, high housing costs, and lower disposable incomes compared with other parts of the country. Reed argued that such challenges risk being overshadowed by political priorities focused predominantly on northern England, fueling voter perceptions that the prime minister’s agenda is “anti-London.”

These concerns come as the London mayoral election approaches, with the capital’s political landscape increasingly contested. Former cabinet minister Sir James Cleverly, who recently announced his intention to seek the Conservative nomination for mayor, criticized Burnham for what he described as “blaming London for London’s own success.” Cleverly characterized the prime minister’s policy stance as a “war with London” and positioned himself as a candidate ready to defend the city’s interests.

London also faces a forthcoming parliamentary by-election in Holborn & St Pancras, the constituency previously represented by Starmer. Labour’s candidate, Camden council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali, is expected to face strong competition from Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, in a contest that could serve as an early indicator of Burnham’s standing in the capital.

In response to these challenges, Burnham has publicly affirmed his commitment to London, emphasizing his affection for the city amid the ongoing debate over his devolution strategy. As efforts to redress regional inequalities continue, balancing national priorities with the needs of diverse localities remains a complex issue for the government.