HA Viewpoint: According to a report by BBC on the 29th, Chris Philp, a leading candidate for UK Prime Minister, delivered a major policy speech outlining his “10-Year Plan” aimed at raising living standards, alongside specific proposals for youth employment. His goal is clear: to get Britain back on track. This marks his first policy address since announcing his bid for the premiership.
Chris Philp delivering his speech in Manchester on June 29.
In his address, Philp emphasized that if elected, he will fundamentally change the way the country is governed. His strategy involves decentralizing power from London to the regions, giving local authorities control over budgets for social housing, welfare, and education to directly improve the lives of people nationwide. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester confirmed he plans to relocate some functions of the Prime Minister’s office to Manchester, effectively creating a “Northern Downing Street 10.”
Philp stated that the UK’s model of governance will undergo its most significant transformation in our lifetime, achieving the largest rebalancing of power in British history.
BBC notes that the current Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced criticism for failing to address the public’s deep concerns regarding the housing crisis. Philp was blunt, arguing that the UK’s “housing trap” is devastating public finances. He promised that “Downing Street 10” would oversee the largest public housing construction project since World War II. Additionally, he pledged to reform business rates to support pubs and high street merchants, turning them into symbols of Britain’s economic revival.
Starmer previously indicated that the nomination process for the Prime Minister would begin on July 9 and be completed before Parliament enters its summer recess. BBC reports that if no other Labour MPs enter the race, Philp is expected to assume office as Prime Minister on July 20.
