Andy Burnham Pledges Devolution and More Power for UK Regions in First Major Speech

Burnham was greeted with thunderous applause as he began his speech in Manchester. A government led by him will strive for “equal living conditions in all parts of the UK,” he said, The Guardian reports.

He promises to establish a "Number 10" in Manchester to make "power flow" around the country, he says in his speech.

We will create a more effective state with a clearer purpose to empower all parts of the country and put a laser-like focus on growth and renewal, good growth, he says.

Burnham did not answer any questions related to the speech.