Britons back Andy Burnham’s plan to devolve more powers to regional mayors, poll finds

Britons support Andy Burnham’s plans to devolve more powers to regional mayors, believing such a move would make the running of those areas better, a new poll has found.

The poll, carried out by YouGov, asked voters whether they thought devolving more powers from Westminster to regional mayors would generally make those areas better or worse run, or if it would make no difference.

Around 35% of those asked said they thought devolving more powers from Westminster to regional mayors would make the areas better run, compared to just 13% who said it would make them worse.

24% thought that greater devolution of powers would make no difference.

It comes ahead of a major policy speech due to be delivered by Andy Burnham later today, where he is expected to set out a devolution plan as part of a major shakeup of Whitehall.

As part of his first speech, Burnham will set out a commitment for a “10-year mission” to raise living standards, as well as proposals on youth employment, in order to “lift Britain back up to where it should be”. Burnham’s vision would involve mayors being given greater control over social housing, welfare and education.