Power to People and Places: What does it take to deliver social change for a more equal Britain? In Conversation with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Britain is one of the most politically centralised and economically unequal countries in the developed world. Spatial inequalities in the country are profound and persistent. Where a person is born impacts their life chances and outcomes – be it in terms of health, education or employment – throughout their lives. The imperative to build a more equal and fairer country is clear, but what will it take to deliver the change that’s so greatly needed?

In this thought-provoking talk Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, will build on his decades-long experience in public service to make the case for reform and outline his rallying cry for more power to local places and people. In his talk, the Mayor will touch upon key themes such as devolution, public accountability, civic engagement and the role of strong partnerships at the local level to achieve social change and better social outcomes.

The Mayor will be in conversation with Kathy Hall, Chief Operating Officer of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. Their talk will conclude this year’s Social Outcomes Conference – the world’s leading gathering of scholars, government officials and civil society leaders working to improve social outcomes. For the talk, the Mayor will join us live via video link.

About Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham was first elected as Mayor of Greater Manchester in May 2017, re-elected for a second term in May 2021 and a third term in May 2024.

Responsible for shaping the future of Greater Manchester, Andy’s priorities for his third term include continuing to build a London-style integrated transport system, ending the housing crisis by 2038, offering a new technical education pathway as an alternative to university and creating a new Live Well service, making Greater Manchester a great place to grow up, get on, and grow old.

Before being elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy was MP for Leigh from 2001. In government, Andy has held Ministerial positions at the Home Office, Department of Health and the Treasury. In 2008 he became Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, before returning to Health as Secretary of State in 2009.

In opposition, Andy has served as Shadow Education Secretary, Shadow Health Secretary and Shadow Home Secretary.

Andy lives in Leigh, Greater Manchester, with his wife and three children.

He is the co-author, alongside Steve Rotherham, of Head North: A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain.