“Manchesterism”: Building the UK’s Leading Engine of Social Mobility – Andy Burnham joins Alun Francis for new podcast episode

Greater Manchester has become the trailblazer for English devolution, but what can other parts of the country learn from its experience?

In the latest episode of Social Mobility Talks, Alun Francis sits down with Mayor Andy Burnham to discuss his vision for Greater Manchester and his call for more radical devolution across the county in order to support local solutions which deliver growth and opportunity.

Greater Manchester is one of the country’s most successful city-regions. Home to nearly 3 million people and with an economy bigger than that of Wales or Northern Ireland. Since the election of Andy Burnham as its first metro-mayor in 2017 Greater Manchester Combined Authority has been hailed as a the trailblazer of English devolution, with wide ranging powers including transport, business support, employment and skills and housing investment.

But beyond the infrastructure and investment, how does a “place-based” approach actually change the life chances of a young person growing up in the city-region?

Alun and Andy explore the Mayor’s concept of “Manchesterism”, a unique blend of local identity, economic ambition, and social responsibility. They also cover

• Why Andy thinks the Westminster and Whitehall model is “utterly broken”
• How too many children are growing up without hope and how devolution can be part of the solution
• Why places like Hartlepool or Blackpool must be allowed to set their own ambitions

You can watch the episode on YouTube below or listen on Spotify.

If you liked the episode please let us know in the comments.

Want to pitch a guest for the podcast or have an idea for a future episode? Get in touch via smcmedia@socialmobilitycommission.gov.uk