Manchester's rise to prominence as a political-economic philosophy, dubbed 'Manchesterism', has been a fascinating journey. This philosophy, rooted in the city's unique blend of free markets and social spirit, has captured the imagination of many. But will it work for the entire UK? As Andy Burnham, the city's former mayor, prepares to become prime minister, the question arises: can Manchesterism be scaled up to transform the nation?
Manchester's story is one of resilience and innovation. From the IRA bombing in 1996 to the city's subsequent transformation, Manchester has shown an ability to adapt and thrive. The city's economic growth, particularly in the service sector, has been a key driver of its success. The agglomeration effects of a critical mass of population, housing, jobs, and service sector activity have made Manchester an attractive destination for young workers, with more people moving to the city than leaving it.
Burnham's vision for Manchesterism is ambitious. He advocates for a new set of principles and rules for the running of the British state, including tearing up the Treasury's Green Book and the Barnett formula. He proposes a 'Northern Way' to Net Zero, which subsidises the transition and builds exportable locally owned industry. However, the reality of implementing these policies is complex. The need to raise tax revenues and borrow money to fund spending is a significant challenge, and the constraints of the current economic climate may limit the scope for such bold initiatives.
One of the key challenges for Manchesterism is the need to balance the interests of different regions. While Burnham has criticised decades of 'neoliberalism' and the 'trickle-down effect', the reality is that these policies have been core to the Manchester model. The city's success has been underpinned by a combination of public and private investment, and the need to spread the proceeds of growth around the region is essential to avoid creating a mini-London in the centre of Manchester.
In my opinion, the success of Manchesterism will depend on the ability to create a collaborative and inclusive approach to policy-making. The institutions, leadership, and commercial capability of the regions will be crucial to the success of devolution. While Burnham's vision is ambitious, the reality of implementing it will be complex. The question remains: can Manchesterism be scaled up to transform the nation, or will it remain a local phenomenon with limited national impact?
