What could Andy Burnham mean for small businesses?

The latest updates

Andy Burnham could become the new Labour leader and UK prime minister
the Mayor of Greater Manchester has pledged business rates reform and a review of thresholds for small firms
Keir Starmer resigned on 22 June 2026 following Andy Burnham’s win in the Makerfield by-election
no other MPs have put their name forward, so Burnham looks likely to become prime minister on 20 July
Burnham’s speech on 29 June focused on devolution, economic reform, and support for entrepreneurs

Andy Burnham sets out his policies under Labour as all signs point to him becoming the next prime minister as soon as next month.

In an address to an audience of MPs and mayors in Manchester, the Makerfield MP focused on a ‘devolved North’. He wants to rebalance power and create a Number 10 office in Manchester.

But what could a new prime minister mean for small businesses and the self-employed? And what was in Andy Burnham’s first major policy speech that you need to know. We cover the key takeaways here.

What was in Andy Burnham’s speech for small businesses?

Andy Burnham delivered a speech in Manchester on 29 June and set out his vision for the country if he’s to become British prime minister.

He’s promised to stick within the government’s rules on government debt and spending. But the details of how his plans could be funded haven’t been announced.

These are key areas you need to pay attention to as a small business owner, based on analysis of his speech and byelection pledges:

1. Regional investment and devolution

Burnham is a vocal champion of devolution – pushing power and money away from Westminster and towards local areas. He’s talked about ‘Manchesterism’ and wanting to rebalance power away from the London centre.

For small business owners outside London, this could mean more accessible local funding, better transport infrastructure, and stronger regional support networks.

2. Business rates review

While not specifically mentioned in his speech, Burnham has previously spoken of business rates reform when campaigning for re-election as an MP in Mackerfield.

One of his byelection pledges included cutting business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs, and music venues next year – this is a more generous cut than the Treasury’s existing plan of 15%.

Burnham has also said he’d consider cutting employers’ National Insurance and lowering the threshold for paying business rates for small, independent hospitality, leisure, and retail businesses.

3. “Good Growth Funds”

Burnham wants the government to help all regions establish “Good Growth Funds” (modeled after Greater Manchester) to consolidate public and private investment locally, making funding more accessible for local start-ups and scale-ups.

4. Innovation and industry

We could see more support for start-ups and creatives. Burnham specifically said he wants to back “scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, and creatives” and turn the UK into an “Innovation Nation.”

When will we get a new prime minister?

Andy Burnham could become the new British prime minister on 20 July 2026.

If no other labour MPs put themselves forward in the leadership contest then Burnham will be uncontested and be sworn into office. He’ll also have to step down from his current position as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Keir Starmer has said he’ll stay in post until a new leader is confirmed.

Why this moment matters for small business owners

Political transitions create uncertainty – and uncertainty is expensive for small businesses. Tax policy, business rates, employment law, and VAT thresholds can all shift with a change in leadership.

Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date on changing policies and how this could affect your small business. It’s also a good idea to review your financial plans and discuss with a professional if any policy changes could impact how you run your business.