DIB Insights | Burnham and Liverpool City Region
If Andy Burnham becomes Britain’s next Prime Minister, few places in the country will feel a greater sense of optimism than Liverpool City Region.
For many years, Burnham has enjoyed a uniquely close political and personal relationship with Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram. The two men have become the leading champions of English devolution, making the case that towns, cities and regions should have greater powers to shape their own destinies rather than waiting for instructions from Whitehall.
Their partnership is more than a political alliance. Burnham and Rotheram famously left Westminster politics to focus on transforming their respective city regions and have spent the last decade working together on issues ranging from transport and skills to housing and economic development. They even co-authored a book together, setting out their vision for a stronger North and a more balanced British economy.
That relationship alone would be significant if Burnham enters Number 10. However, his connection to Liverpool runs far deeper than politics.
Born in Merseyside and a lifelong Everton supporter, Burnham has long enjoyed a special affinity with the city. Yet it was his unwavering support for the Hillsborough families that truly cemented his place in Liverpool’s political story.
More than fifteen years ago, when many in Westminster preferred to avoid the issue, Burnham took up the cause of justice for the victims and families of the Hillsborough disaster. As a government minister, he became one of the most prominent voices demanding that the truth be established and that those affected be treated with dignity and respect.
His appearance at the Hillsborough Memorial Service at Anfield in 2009 is now part of the city’s political folklore. Facing a hostile crowd angry at years of establishment failures, Burnham chose not to walk away. Instead, he listened. He absorbed the anger and frustration of a community that felt ignored and misrepresented. Rather than distancing himself from the issue afterwards, he doubled down on his commitment to securing justice.
Many would argue that his championing of the Hillsborough campaign helped transform him from another Westminster politician into a figure of national significance. It demonstrated a willingness to challenge institutions, stand with ordinary people and pursue a cause even when it was politically difficult.
That credibility matters.
As Prime Minister, Burnham would almost certainly accelerate the devolution agenda. Liverpool City Region could expect greater powers over transport, housing, regeneration, skills and economic development. The city region already has ambitious plans around advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean energy, the visitor economy and major regeneration projects. A Prime Minister who not only understands those ambitions but genuinely believes in the power of city regions could help unlock further progress.
Of course, Liverpool will not expect special favours. Burnham’s political philosophy has always been about empowering every region rather than privileging one over another.
Nevertheless, relationships matter in politics. Trust matters too.
Liverpool City Region would have in Downing Street not simply an ally, but a Prime Minister who understands the city, respects its history, shares many of its values and has stood alongside it during some of its most difficult moments.
That is a powerful foundation on which to build the next chapter of the city’s remarkable story.
