Head North – A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain

Abstract

The rise of Andy Burnham to the premiership in the summer of 2026 is a further indication that Britain continues to live through an era of political disruption. In little more than a decade, the country has had seven Prime Ministers. The temptation is to attribute this instability to the shortcomings of individual leaders. A more convincing explanation, however, may be that Britain itself has become increasingly difficult to govern. This review explores the possibility that Burnham may prove to be a different kind of Prime Minister. His agenda, particularly in relation to the role of the state, local government, and the distribution of power across Britain, offers the prospect of significant social change. For readers of Concept, with an interest in public policy and democratic renewal, his ideas merit serious attention. Co-authored with Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Head North was published two years before 
Burnham became Prime Minister and takes the form of a series of conversations and reflections between the two politicians. While both authors make important contributions, the discussion that follows focuses principally on Burnham's political vision and the arguments he advances throughout the book.