‘Good growth in every postcode’: Burnham’s economic to-do list in seven charts

<p>From industrial strategy and defence to housing and living costs, we lay out the challenges facing the new PM</p><p>Andy Burnham becomes prime minister as Britain contends with a series of global economic shocks and years of weak growth in living standards, fuelled by underinvestment and deep regional divisions.</p><p>Before his arrival in Downing Street, the Labour leader pledged to deliver “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/28/andy-burnham-to-pledge-good-growth-in-every-postcode-in-devolution-plan">good growth in every postcode</a>” by transferring power from Westminster to local communities. But with the public finances under pressure, and time running out before the next general election, the task is not straightforward.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/19/andy-burnham-economy-defence-housing-and-living-costs">Continue reading...</a>