Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 9
Andy Burnham Plans to Expand No. 10 Economic Powers Before 2029, Drops Treasury Breakup
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 9

Andy Burnham Plans to Expand No. 10 Economic Powers Before 2029, Drops Treasury Breakup

3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 9

Summary

  • 10 Downing Street would gain more oversight of economic policy under Andy Burnham, while plans to split up the Treasury are being shelved for now, ally Louise Haigh said.
  • Haigh told the BBC that the prime minister’s office is “criminally underfunded,” lacks staff and does not have enough formal power to direct economic policy.
  • The shift would leave the Treasury intact despite Burnham allies arguing it holds too much sway across government, because they see too little time for a major machinery-of-state overhaul before the 2029 election.
  • The approach points to a near-term centralization of economic control in No. 10 rather than a structural rewrite of Whitehall’s core finance ministry.

Insights

Amidst global crises, is rearranging Whitehall's power structure the key to Britain's economic revival?
How can centralizing economic power in Downing Street achieve a 'rebalancing of power' away from London?
Can the 'King of the North' end neoliberalism while also maintaining 'sound public finances'?