Sir Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister on 22 June 2026, with Andy Burnham announcing shortly afterwards that he would stand to succeed him, promising to bring Britain "stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most".
At the time of writing, Burnham is the only declared candidate. If he remains unopposed, a new Prime Minister could be in place by mid-July, with a leadership election extending the timetable until the end of August.
This blog explores the themes emerging from Burnham's speech and considers what they could mean for the North East Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.
For the VCSE sector, changes in political leadership provide an opportunity to consider how government priorities may evolve, and what this could mean for policy, public services and partnership working. Keir Starmer's government sought to reset the relationship between government and civil society through the Civil Society Covenant, also introducing policies advocated for and welcomed by many charities and community organisations, including lifting the two-child benefit limit as part of its child poverty strategy.
Leadership campaigns do not always translate directly into government policy. However, they often provide an early indication of a candidate's priorities and governing philosophy. Burnham's speech in Manchester on 29 June was no exception. Rather than focusing on individual policy announcements, this blog looks at the wider direction of travel and how this could influence the role of civil society across our region.
What did Burnham say?
Burnham's speech outlined a vision for government built around devolution, public service reform and economic growth that is felt in “every postcode”. While light on detailed policy commitments, it set out a clear direction of travel centred on place, partnership and prevention.
A central theme was the transfer of power away from Westminster and into the hands of places. Burnham argued that decisions about transport, housing, skills, employment support and economic development are more effective when made by the places they affect. Reflecting this commitment, he also proposed establishing a permanent “No. 10 North” in Manchester, arguing that government itself should become more firmly rooted in regions rather than operating primarily from Westminster. While the proposal is symbolic, it reinforces a broader ambition to shift power and decision-making.
Economic growth featured prominently throughout the speech, but with a clear emphasis on "good growth"; growth that improves opportunity and quality of life across communities, rather than concentrating prosperity in a small number of places.
The speech also focused on reforming public services. Rather than simply increasing spending, Burnham argued that services should work differently, with greater collaboration across organisations and a stronger focus on prevention, early intervention and local solutions.
Alongside this, he highlighted investment in technical education, housing and local economic development as essential foundations for reducing regional inequalities. He also called for mayors to have greater control over employment support to tackle the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) through locally designed solutions. The issue is particularly relevant to the North East, which has the highest proportion of young people who are NEET in England.
Ahead of Burnham's speech, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness called for greater powers and funding to help the region address this challenge, demonstrating the close alignment between regional priorities and Burnham’s wider vision for devolution.
Perhaps most significant for the VCSE sector was the emphasis on partnership. Throughout the speech, Burnham argued that many of the country’s biggest challenges cannot be solved by government acting alone, but require collaboration between public services, businesses, communities and civil society.
Taken together, these themes reflect a broader philosophy of government that has become closely associated with Burnham’s leadership of Greater Manchester.
What is Manchesterism?
The ideas underpinning Burnham’s speech are rooted in what is described as “Manchesterism”; a devolution-focused policy programme centred around greater public control of essential services.
Manchesterism argues that economic and social policy should go hand in hand to achieve inclusive, place-based growth, regardless of party politics. Working with central government, the Manchester model has been a trailblazer of the devolution agenda, giving local leaders greater autonomy over key areas, including transport, skills, housing and public service reform. It places emphasis on collaboration across sectors, with local government, public services, businesses, communities and civil society expected to work together to shape strategic priorities and improve outcomes. Greater public control and local accountability for key services have been central to this approach, helping to raise living standards, support businesses, and boost and reinvest profits in the local economy.
Expanding this vision to other parts of the country, it is clear that the North East is well placed to benefit from a government led by Burnham, given that the region is already planning for and delivering the priorities at the heart of this agenda. Both the North East and Tees Valley Mayoral Authorities already place increasing emphasis on devolved decision-making, developing distinct local priorities and approaches that provide a strong foundation for further powers and responsibilities to be devolved from Westminster.
What could this mean for the North East VCSE sector?
At this stage, Burnham’s speech should be viewed less as a programme for government and more as an indication of the direction he would like to take. While it included no specific announcements on VCSE funding, commissioning reform or investment in the VCSE sector, it does offer insight into how the role of civil society could evolve under a Burnham government.
Devolution will make regional relationships increasingly important
The clearest message from Burnham’s speech was that more decisions should be taken at a regional and local level. If that ambition is realised, Mayoral Authorities are likely to play an even greater role in shaping policy.
For VCSE organisations, this would reinforce a trend that is already underway. Across both the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, decisions affecting communities are increasingly being made closer to home. As a result, influencing regional policy, contributing to local strategies and building relationships with these institutions will become increasingly important.
The VCSE sector has an opportunity to strengthen its role as an economic partner
Burnham repeatedly spoke about delivering “good growth”. His vision linked economic success with health, housing, skills, transport and community wellbeing, recognising that thriving communities are fundamental to a strong economy. This is an approach that VONNE welcomes and has long advocated for. Our recent report showcasing the value of the VCSE sector in the Tees Valley demonstrates how organisations contribute to both economic growth and improved social outcomes.
This presents an opportunity for the VCSE sector, which makes a significant contribution to local economies by supporting people into employment, improving health, tackling poverty, building skills, strengthening communities and creating volunteering opportunities. If government adopts a broader understanding of economic success, there is a stronger case for recognising the VCSE sector as both an economic and a social partner.
Prevention and partnership
Throughout his speech, Burnham argued that public services need to work differently, with greater collaboration across organisations and a stronger emphasis on prevention. Referring directly to the role of civil society, he spoke about engaging much more through community and VCSE organisations at a grassroots level, working with organisations people trust rather than places they fear.
This emphasis is consistent with the principles set out in the Civil Society Covenant but places greater focus on how those relationships might operate in practice. Rather than seeing charities solely as service providers, Burnham's vision suggests a greater role for the VCSE sector as a strategic partner in designing and delivering local solutions.
For organisations across the region, this reflects work that is already happening every day. The challenge will be ensuring that stronger cross-sector working is accompanied by meaningful involvement in decision-making, sustainable funding and commissioning arrangements that recognise the full value of community-based organisations.
The North East is well placed to benefit
Perhaps the most significant observation from Burnham's speech is that many of the priorities Burnham highlighted are already reflected in regional policy.
The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority has set out a series of missions for the region focused on creating good jobs, improving transport, tackling child poverty, building more affordable homes, supporting safer communities and improving health and wellbeing. These priorities closely align with Burnham's emphasis on place-based public service reform and a broader understanding of economic success that connects growth with social outcomes.
Similarly, the Tees Valley Combined Authority is demonstrating the opportunities that devolution can create through its Local Growth Plan, which aims to drive productivity, support high-value industries such as clean energy and advanced manufacturing, invest in skills, and deliver regeneration that benefits local communities.
While the two authorities have different political leadership and priorities, both recognise the value of locally designed solutions to local challenges.
Looking ahead
Whether or not Burnham’s speech ultimately translates into government policy remains to be seen. Leadership campaigns inevitably evolve, and priorities can change once in office. Nevertheless, his speech provides a valuable indication of the direction the government could take.
For the VCSE sector, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. If power continues to shift towards regions, charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises have an opportunity to strengthen their role within local systems and demonstrate the value they bring. At the same time, the sector must continue to make the case that meaningful partnership requires more than warm words. It depends on sustainable investment, genuine co-production and a seat at the table where decisions are made.
In the coming weeks, VONNE will continue to explore what these developments could mean for the region, including sharing perspectives from members. We would also welcome your views. What opportunities or challenges do you think Burnham's vision presents for the VCSE sector?
If you would like to share your views or have a further conversation about this topic, get in touch with us by contacting our Policy Manager, Siobhan Flynn at siobhan.flynn@vonne.org.uk