Policy experts advising Andy Burnham have called for greater powers to be devolved to elected mayors, extending their control over a broad range of public services including social care, childcare, education, and skills training. The proposals, outlined by JP Spencer, head of devolution policy at the think tank ThinkLabour, signal a possible shift in governance aimed at addressing entrenched regional inequalities in England.

Spencer, part of a small group shaping policy for the Makerfield MP, argues that the current centralised model anchored in Whitehall has been inadequate for managing complex local challenges. His paper advocates for a “radical reshaping” of the state that places democratic authority at a local or strategic level, supported by a central government that encourages rather than dictates action. This approach aligns with Burnham’s recent announcements, including plans to relocate portions of Downing Street operations to Manchester, emphasizing a definitive move away from Whitehall’s dominance over regional affairs.

Under Spencer’s framework, mayors would gain significant responsibilities, such as appointing health and education commissioners to oversee schools, general practices, childcare providers, and public health services. Control over sixth-form colleges and the government’s skills agenda would also shift to mayoral leadership, potentially involving the allocation of over £4 billion through a proposed growth and skills levy.

The proposals extend to the policing landscape as well, with Spencer supporting Labour MP Shabana Mahmood’s plan to consolidate police forces in England and Wales—from the current 43 down to between 12 and 20 regional constabularies. However, Spencer suggests these larger forces be aligned with mayoral jurisdictions, allowing elected mayors to serve as police and crime commissioners and thus enhance local accountability. This contrasts with Burnham’s reported reservations about the mergers, with alignment to mayoral areas seen as a means to mitigate concerns about the unaccountability of larger forces.

While elements of these ideas have previously been reviewed by current housing and local government secretary Steve Reed, they have yet to advance beyond provisions in the current devolution bill, which primarily grants mayors the ability to request new powers rather than guaranteeing them. Reed has expressed support for deeper devolution, citing regional economic disparities as a driving issue: “This country is being pulled apart by regional economic inequality. The answer to that is to go further on devolution,” he said.

Nonetheless, there is caution within Labour ranks regarding the pace and scope of decentralisation. Some MPs, particularly in Kent, have voiced concern about the introduction of county mayors, in part due to the likelihood of such officials representing Reform UK, a party outside Labour’s fold. Darren Jones, chief secretary to Labour leader Keir Starmer, has stressed that devolution must be accompanied by corresponding reductions in Whitehall control, asserting that for the initiative to succeed, “Westminster must trust local leaders to make the right decisions.”

Burnham’s devolution agenda and Spencer’s paper collectively illustrate a growing push within Labour to rebalance power away from London and towards local authorities as a means of addressing stark regional disparities across England. The debate continues over how far such reforms should go and how best to ensure local accountability and effectiveness.