In a significant boost for Andy Burnham’s political ambitions, Manchester has emerged as the city with the most substantial decline in inner-city deprivation across the UK. This revelation comes from a new report by the Centre for Cities, highlighting the city’s economic turnaround and positioning Burnham as a key player in the national political landscape as he eyes a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer.
Manchester’s Economic Renaissance
Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, has dubbed this urban revival “Manchesterism,” a philosophy advocating for a more interventionist economic approach. As he gears up to contest in the Makerfield by-election, this report provides a robust foundation for his campaign, which champions the idea that the city’s success can serve as a model for revitalising areas across the country.
The Centre for Cities’ analysis reveals that between 2010 and 2025, the rate of deprivation in Manchester’s inner-city neighbourhoods plummeted by 17 percentage points—the highest reduction among 63 cities evaluated. This dramatic turnaround positions Manchester as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for other urban centres grappling with economic challenges.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
The report utilised the indices of multiple deprivation, measuring factors such as employment, education, health, and crime rates, to assess changes in urban environments. While Manchester’s figures are particularly striking, cities like London and Liverpool have also shown notable improvements.
Overall, the proportion of neighbourhoods classified in the 20% most deprived has decreased across the UK, from 38% to 31%. In Manchester specifically, the share of the most deprived areas near the city centre has dropped sharply to 58.4% in 2025, down from a staggering 75.7% in 2010.
However, the report also indicates that not all urban areas are experiencing similar success. Several cities, predominantly in the North and Midlands, have seen rising deprivation rates, with towns such as Derby and Sunderland facing significant challenges.
The Political Stakes for Burnham
As Burnham prepares for the Makerfield by-election, he finds himself campaigning in one of the most distant constituencies from central Manchester, located in Wigan. His leadership aspirations hinge not only on local successes but also on the broader narrative of urban renewal he is crafting.
Andrew Carter, chief executive of the Centre for Cities, emphasised the importance of supporting metro mayors, asserting that cities with devolved powers are outperforming their smaller counterparts. He stated, “Government needs to continue to back mayors to deliver and ensure their plans for fiscal devolution reward metro mayors for the steps they take to boost local growth.”
Why it Matters
The findings of this report are more than just statistics; they signal a potential shift in how urban policy can be shaped in the UK. Burnham’s approach to ‘Manchesterism’ could resonate beyond the borders of Greater Manchester, offering a compelling narrative of regeneration and interventionist economics. As cities grapple with the fallout of economic disparities, Manchester’s success story could provide a crucial blueprint for revitalising other struggling urban areas, influencing national policy and potentially reshaping the Labour Party’s future direction.
