Andy Burnham is the only declared candidate to lead the Labour Party, but for a politician nicknamed the 'King of the North', surprisingly little is known about his plans for the whole country. As the race begins, his past as a Cabinet minister and mayor of Greater Manchester offers the best clues — including the role of Chinese investment in the city's transformation.
The basics: Andy Burnham, 56, served as Culture Secretary, Health Secretary, and then Shadow Home Secretary under Labour governments. Since 2017, he has been Mayor of Greater Manchester, a powerful devolved role overseeing transport, housing, policing, and economic development. Now he is the sole nominee so far for the Labour leadership, following the party's defeat at the last general election. His nickname reflects his popularity in the North of England, where he has championed regional devolution and opposed austerity.
“What Andy Burnham's past as mayor and minister tells us about his potential plans for the country.”
Background: Burnham's time as mayor has been marked by a building boom in Manchester, partly fuelled by foreign investment — particularly from China. The UnHerd report details how Chinese companies such as Beijing Construction Engineering Group International and Far Eastern Consortium have poured money into high-rise developments. One site, the New Vic, is partly funded by Chinese cash, though the local council keeps the exact sums secret. Another case: UK developer Pinnacle went into administration in 2017 after failing to build tower blocks on Dantzic Street, leaving Hong Kong off-plan buyers short of £31m. The site was later sold to a Hong Kong firm, but construction remains delayed. These projects have created a 'ragged, unfinished' landscape of holes in the ground and empty luxury apartments marketed to graduates.
Why it matters for UK readers: Burnham's record on Chinese investment and devolution could shape national policy if he becomes Labour leader. His 'Manchester model' — a directly elected mayor with control over budgets, transport, and planning — has been held up as a template for other regions. But critics argue it has also allowed opaque deals with foreign state-backed developers, raising questions about accountability and housing affordability. If Burnham wins, his approach to Northern devolution, infrastructure spending, and foreign investment in UK cities will be tested at a national level.
Q: Is Andy Burnham a frontrunner for the Labour leadership? At the moment, he is the only declared candidate, which gives him a significant head start. However, other potential contenders may still enter the race, so the contest is not yet decided. His past as a cabinet minister and two-term mayor makes him one of the most experienced candidates.
Q: What is Andy Burnham known for? He is best known as the 'King of the North' for his strong support of devolution and his role as Mayor of Greater Manchester. He was Health Secretary during the 2009 swine flu pandemic and later a vocal opponent of austerity. As mayor, he has focused on transport, homelessness, and the city's economic revival.
Q: How much Chinese money has flowed into Manchester? Exactly how much is unclear because the council has kept some deals secret. Known investments include Beijing Construction Engineering Group International's involvement in the New Vic development, as well as the Far Eastern Consortium's purchase of the failed Pinnacle site. The total likely runs into hundreds of millions, but the opacity has drawn concern about accountability.
What happens next: Burnham remains the only declared candidate, but other Labour figures may announce their bids in the coming weeks. The party will set a timetable for leadership elections, including nomination deadlines and a ballot of members. Until then, Burnham will be under pressure to flesh out his national policy platform beyond his mayoral record.