Burnham will make high streets a measure of his success

In a speech laying out his vision, Burnham, recently returned as an MP and who could take over as prime minister as early as July 20 if he is unopposed as leader, flagged the importance of healthy high streets as part of his vision of a Britain that succeeds by devolving many more powers to regions.

Towards the end of the speech, Burnham asked: “Shouldn’t we make high streets a symbol of Britain’s renaissance?” That followed a pledge to reform business rates to the benefit of high streets and businesses that operate on them, such as pubs.

Burnham also promised action on other issues affecting retailers such as apprenticeships and work experience.

Overall, he set out an ambition to raise living standards and access to opportunity, and to create an environment in which businesses would have the confidence to invest.

Central to that objective would be initiatives including the creation of a “Number 10 North” prime ministerial office and team in Manchester, which would oversee the roll-out of powers to the regions in the ”biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen”.

He said Number 10 North would be “the nerve centre of a rewired Britain” and envisaged a 10-year programme of change.

Burnham also said he would stick to fiscal rules now in place and ensure “sound public finances”. 

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Retailers will be heartened to hear Andy Burnham’s ambition to create ‘good growth in every postcode’. Retail sits at the heart of our local economies, providing jobs, investment, and essential goods and services for local people.  

“Retailers want to be at the forefront of ‘Britain’s renaissance’, helping revitalise our towns, cities, and high streets. Andy Burnham is right to recognise that business rates reform is essential to unlocking that investment. The current system remains broken, holding back growth, jobs and regeneration in communities across the country.

“If government can buy into retail, putting the right reforms in place, retailers will help deliver jobs, support families with the cost of living, and create the thriving high streets that sit at the heart of Andy Burnham’s vision.”