Head North is a compelling blend of memoir and manifesto by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram. Born and raised in the Northwest, Rotheram was previously a bricklayer, while Burnham was a Cambridge-educated MP. Together they draw on personal experience and political insight to expose the deep-rooted inequalities caused by the UK’s London-centric system. From transport and healthcare to education and economic opportunity, they argue that broken ‘levelling up’ promises and decisions such as axing HS2’s northern leg reflect a persistent southern bias.
The authors advocate for a bold, federal-style transformation of the UK. Their suggestions include robust devolution, a written constitution, House of Lords reform, and proportional representation to ensure fairer regional voices. Central to their vision is a ten-point plan, including a new ‘Hillsborough Law’ for institutional accountability, public transport renationalisation, and a green industrial revolution powered by the North.
Far from seeking separation, Head North is a hopeful call to action. It calls for reclaiming power for overlooked regions and reimagining a more balanced, just, and united Britain built on pride, equality, and place-based policy.