Burnham speech: political response in Wales
First Minister among political figures in Wales responding, as the Prime Ministerial hopeful sets out his vision for the UK
Last updated 29th Jun 2026
Political leaders in Wales have been reacting to the 'PM-in-waiting' Andy Burnham's address to the country, including his 'radical plans' for devolution.
The Labour leadership favourite has delivered a speech saying wants to take power 'out of the centre' and expand the Prime Minister's office to Manchester.
He added, a "Number Ten North" will help power flow into other regions, giving greater authority.
Political leaders across Wales have been giving their response:
First Minister's response
Plaid Cymru's First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “A Number 10 of the North will mean very little to the people of Wales.
“I have been arguing for many years that the Westminster system is a broken system. That is why this Welsh Government set out our expectations on day one that Wales both needs and deserves a fairer settlement on funding and powers.
“Wales already has a new government giving people a new sense of agency, possibility and hope on priorities - from cutting waiting lists, to rolling out fully funded childcare, to creating good jobs.
“Regardless of who leads the UK Government, I will be making the same positive case in a constructive manner – fair funding and parity of powers with Scotland must be a bare minimum for Wales, and I look forward to pursuing a respect agenda that works both ways.”
Conservative viewpoint
Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “Andy Burnham is making the same mistakes as Keir Starmer, set to become Prime Minister of one of the world’s largest economies without a plan to govern.
“Without a plan, he can’t take the tough decisions to cut taxes, reduce welfare, grow our economy, deliver energy security and invest in defence.
"Instead of growing our economy, Andy Burnham's main commitment seems to be moving powers around between politicians.
“It’s increasingly clear that Kemi Badenoch is the only party leader with a plan to get Britain working.”
Welsh Secretary's response
At Westminster, Labour's Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “This is a game-changer for young people in Wales. Employers are now able to claim grants of £3,000 for every eligible young person they hire, helping them take their first step on to the career ladder.
“The UK Government is taking action to ensure that every young person on Wales gets the opportunities they deserve. That includes piloting the Jobs Guarantee scheme in South East and South West Wales and funding 20 Youth Hubs across Wales, offering both financial and practical support to get young people working.”
Reform Wales' view
Reform Wales Leader Dan Thomas MS said: "The people of Wales and the wider United Kingdom did not vote for more constitutional change or another round of devolution debates.
“The British people were not given the opportunity to choose Andy Burnham as Prime Minister. If he intends to pursue a fundamentally different agenda, including further devolution, he should return to the people and seek a fresh mandate.
“Reform believes the public, not politicians behind closed doors, should decide who governs this country and what policies they should pursue. That is why we are calling for a General Election."