36. Andy Burnham and Andy Street: A Tale of Two Cities
Sep 17, 2023
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Andy Burnham, Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Andy Street, Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands, discuss their contrasting politics, similarities between English cities, achieving equivalence and shifting power, the impact of Brexit, and the effects of the global economy on cities.
Devolution empowers local decision-making and is crucial for addressing regional issues.
Economic equivalence and leveling up are vital to ensure fair resource allocation across all regions.
City regions should focus on sector-specific strategies, leveraging their strengths for technological advancements and sustainable development.
Deep dives
The Power of City Regions
Both Andy Street and Andy Burnham discuss the importance of city regions and their roles as mayors in the West Midlands and Greater Manchester. They emphasize the need for local empowerment and decision-making to drive progress and address regional issues. They highlight the impact of devolved powers on transport, education, and investment plans. Additionally, they emphasize the significance of collaboration and engagement with local authorities and the wider communities. They believe that a place-first approach and collaborative decision-making can lead to positive change and help bridge the gap between national politics and the public.
The Importance of Economic Equivalence
The mayors emphasize the need for economic equivalence and leveling up across all regions of England. They criticize the centralized allocation of resources and the economic model that favors London. They discuss the challenges and opportunities for cities like Birmingham and Manchester to attract investment, drive economic growth, and improve their competitiveness. They highlight the importance of developing regional industrial strategies, focusing on key sectors where cities have a competitive advantage. They also mention the significance of cultural capital, such as music, sports, and TV shows like Peaky Blinders, in enhancing a city's reputation and attracting investment and tourism.
The Impact of Brexit on City Regions
Both mayors share their perspectives on Brexit and its impact on their city regions. They highlight the complexities and challenges resulting from the decision, specifically in terms of trade and economic growth. They discuss the need for a shift in economic models to prioritize social justice and environmental considerations. Andy Burnham expresses concerns about the negative impact of Brexit on the music industry, while Andy Street mentions the importance of expanding international relationships, such as with India, and attracting investments from growing global economies. They call for a focus on collaboration and strong intercity connections to navigate the post-Brexit landscape.
The Role of Local Industrial Strategies
Both mayors emphasize the significance of local industrial strategies to drive economic growth and transform their city regions. They stress the importance of devolved decision-making and leveraging the unique strengths and competitive advantages of each region. They discuss the need for sector-specific strategies that prioritize technological advancements, innovation, and sustainable development. Andy Street highlights the success of initiatives like the Commonwealth Games in improving the reputation of the West Midlands and attracting investments. They both argue for a shift in national economic models to provide adequate resources and support to city regions, enabling them to shape their own industrial strategies.
The Future of City Leadership and Global Collaboration
Andy Street and Andy Burnham discuss the evolving role of city leadership and the need for greater global collaboration. They highlight the power of cities to drive change, citing examples of successful events like the Commonwealth Games and hosting international conferences. They stress the importance of nurturing cultural capital, engaging in international diplomacy, and building connections between cities worldwide. They propose a shift towards a city-centric model in the 21st century, with cities playing a central role in addressing global challenges like digitalization and decarbonization. They call for a better balance of power and resources between cities and the national government to enable sustained growth and development.
What is it like to run a metropolitan area? How does devolution impact the citizens of regional areas? Does party affiliation affect the decisions a mayor makes?
Andy Burnham, Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Andy Street, Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands, meet with Rory and Alastair to discuss their two cities, their contrasting politics, and working towards their shared goal of further devolved powers for city regions.
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