Head North: A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain

by Andy Burnham, Steve Rotheram

Picked as one of Waterstones' Non-Fiction 'Books You Need to Read in 2024'
Picked by the Financial Times as one of 'The Best New Politics Books'
Picked by iNews as one of 'The Best New Books to Read in March 2024'

Britain is more unequal than ever before. If we're ever going to fix this, we must take the power out of Westminster.

Looking North could change this, and the Labour Mayors of Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram are leading this fight. For the first time, they share their experiences of modern British politics, from how the Hillsborough disaster shaped them and their time as MPs in Westminster witnessing its systematic flaws, to leaving to become Mayors up North, battling Boris Johnson during the Covid-19 pandemic, and creating a new vision for what Britain could be.

In Head North, they propose an ambitious ten-point plan to rewire and reimagine our country beyond the Westminster bubble. A timely discussion around Northern voices and culture, devolution and the failed promises of 'levelling up' from successive Tory Prime Ministers, Head North is an essential read ahead of the 2024 General Election, as it outlines how we can spread political and economic power throughout the UK and push forward for a fairer future.

The North will not sit on the sidelines any longer. It's time for real change - and this is how we can achieve it!

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, British Literature

272 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2024

Reviews

[Andy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, the mayors of Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region, make their case for a better way of running Britain in this extremely readable book. Half memoir, half manifesto, Head North makes a passionate argument in favour of restructuring politics with meaningful regional devolution at the heart of a totally transformed political system.

They describe their political careers to date and the events and experiences that have shaped them as people and as politicians. The Hillsborough disaster is an ever present for both men, proud Scousers, who saw in the tragedy the seeds of a system totally loaded against ordinary people and in favour of the establishment.

Indeed, Burnham and Rotheram highlight Hillsborough – and other scandals like Grenfell and the Post Office – to show a political class and a wider establishment that has systematically blocked and hampered the hopes and aspirations of working-class people, especially, though not exclusively, those from the north. Head North makes a strong argument that the ‘Westminster knows best’ decision-making approach is not working – and indeed has never worked – and what’s needed is a new way of doing politics and the implementation of real devolution that would transform the country and the prospects of the people who live in it.

They turned their backs on Westminster to go back to the north where they believe a better way of governance can be forged. Their ten-point Head North manifesto contains some good ideas that, if implemented, would certainly change the way that Britain is run. I hope they - and we - get the chance to see it delivered.

[Mark Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this just in time for election day yesterday. It's like I timed it perfectly?
Absolutely brilliant. Beyond interesting. I am now a firm believer in devolution of parliament and offering local authorities more power. Andy Burnham is the King of the North and no one can tell me otherwise!

[Robin Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is a fantastic book that can be a really big motivation for making the United Kingdom a fairer and more equal country. While it does emphasise the vast amount of systemic problems that exist in the UK, it reads very positively as a book of hope, and that a few small changes can go a long way in making the UK a much better place.

Burnham & Rotherham write seperately in distinct fonts throught the book. This works especially well during the first half of the book which is autobiographical, and explains the influence of events such as the Hillsborough Disaster and Manchester Arena Bombings on Burham and Rotherham. In the second half, both Burham and Rotherham (understandably) overlap a lot in the specific aspects they mention, this could have been written slightly better to make the second half a little more concise. Burham also seems to write around 70% of the total text in this section.

Overall, a very inspiring read that can empower all of us to fight for a better country. One of the best non-fiction books I have read recently.

[John Noakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best political book I’ve ever read. It is a triumph of experience-based common sense and lays bare the inadequacies of the British political system. Not only does it reveal the problems but, importantly, it proposes solutions and changes to close the North-South divide.
Andy & Steve should donate 650 copies of the book to the House of Commons with one given to every MP with the instruction to read it cover to cover.

A masterpiece.

[Jasmine Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential read for anyone living in the UK or with an interest in government. I had my own perceptions of how the North has been impacted (or left behind) by policy, but this really opened my eyes as to the systemic classism and regionism built into Westminster. Being in policy advocacy at this time also made this a really intriguing read. It is also a refreshing style of prose, as Andy and Steve both write like they are speaking to you in a casual conversation. Highly recommend this book on all fronts.

[Emma Hopley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this positive vision for what the North could be- it made me feel genuinely inspired and hopeful. It also exposes the injustices people in the North have faced under a series of governments, which was quite shocking to read. They offer a manifesto of actions that should be taken to properly devolve power out of Westminster, which feel achievable. 10/10.

[O]

Every policy Burnham and Rotherham are proposing seems essential. Their path forward for a more functioning country comes from lived experience and on-the-ground, community-driven politics; as a result of actually understanding their areas (and the wider picture for the whole country) they communicate an idea that, while about the North/South divide, would go a long way to create a more levelled playing field for the country as a whole. The second half of this book where these propositions and the reasoning behind them is a very propulsive read.

I struggled a bit in the first half, while both men have an endearing candidness to them some of the moments in their political journey didn't necesarilly inform the greater purpose of the text. Of course, I understand why they have made the decision to make this half autobiography and half policy proposal, by being endeared to them and seeing their first hand experiences I imagine it would bring in a wider audience - for me this didn't work.

I would love to see Rotherham and Burnham's propositions to be taken seriously by the incoming government, and that makes this as urgent as a political text can be.

[Joe Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fellow northerner I was very much looking forward to “Head North”.

It’s core offer is a (semi) radical, progressive, federalist alternative to the Westminster style politics we have seen in the UK over the last 7 decades.

The writing style was very engaging, flipping between Steve and Andy’s perspectives on different issues or eras of politics. With the first half of the book being autobiography’s of their lives.

The second half of the book then lays out their manifesto to redesign and realign the UK. I loved their idea of adopting a German style “Basic Law” that would help to eradicate inequality across the regions. This is a proposal I’ve not seen put forward in any other political book, but one I believe would greatly benefit the UK.

However, I am extremely sceptical about one of their main proposals. Replacing the House of Lords with a senate of the nations and regions. The House of Lords definitely needs reform, but I fear having an elected second chamber will effectively lead it to become a HoC 2.0. Currently, the House of Lords scrutinises legislation far better than the commons, and making the Lords elected will inevitably lead to a decline in this.

Finally, two further thoughts that came to mind while reading the book. Although both Steve and Andy try to make out that the book is not London bashing, it very much comes across this way.

Second, I understand the authors expertise lay here, but it is solely north-west centric. At times it felt as if, especially Andy, was blind to the fact that Manchester is now Englands second city. With their analysis neglecting vast swathes of much more deprived towns and cities in the North. It almost felt like the book should have been titled “Head North-West”.

Anyway they have both been brilliant mayors for Liverpool and Manchester respectively. So much so I hope one returns to Westminster to make a 3rd times a charm Labour leadership bid…

[Andy Crowder · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Midlander living in the North, this book really spoke to me. I often struggle to articulate my feelings when it comes to politics and the angst I feel in relation to the Tories. So to read a book with such an honest, passionate and often damning view of politics was really refreshing. Andy and Steve make a compelling case for true devolution in Britain, taking the power out of the hands of a few select politicians in London and allowing regions outside of the capital to drive real change.

[Jake Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radical, trailblazing! Proud to be from Greater Manchester and The North reading this, two leaders with their heads in the right place and who understand the importance of places to people. A good, honest and damning critique of Westminster and its lack of interest and compassion for anywhere outside of London and the South East. A well written, hopeful read.

[Ella Maher Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me feel hopeful for a future with a more equal Britain, whilst equally making me so frustrated at the current state of the country.

It was inspiring to see how clearly Burnham and Rotherham set out their vision for the future, and incredible how starkly this contrasts with the current government’s distinct lack of vision.

[Adam Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent treatise on how a localised, federal Britain could mark a new era of prosperity. Burnham and Rotherham’s ability to blend the personal and political is a testament to their northern roots. A must read for anyone frustrated with modern UK politics.

[Matthew Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A levelling-up call to arms done right, roll on a northern Net Zero

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easiest five stars, lads 🌟

[George Ryan-Briscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

They detailed a vision of how constitutional reform, devolution and a new appraisal system can create a less London-centric economy to bring left-behind areas into the modern economy. limbs.

[Hannah Kitcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very powerful reading. Head North!

[Nancy Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look, I'll be the first to say that Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram aren't my favourite fellas, and it's impossible to agree with them on everything. However, there is some very powerful stuff in this book. Every Southerner should give it a read, just saying.

[nicola alloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this , only thing that spoils it for me is that Manchester isn’t the proper north of England for me !

[Marie-France Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be biased as my husband wrote this🤣

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnham and Rotherham are inspiring and full of hope. They produce a roadmap for the future which is laced with a deep understanding of the north of England, as well as exploring the deep prejudices and contradictions at the heart of Whitehall. They explain why things are the way they are in satisfying fashion and give us hope for what can be achieved with a fundamental change in direction.

JFT97

[David Lowther · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever a book ever stood up and shouted ‘this is how things should be done’ Head North’ is it.
I’ve long been an admirer of Andy Burnham but know less about Steve Rotheram but, having read Head North, I can see he’s cut from the same cloth.
I can truthfully say there’s only one of his comments about the state of things in the UK with which I disagree and I’ll come to that later.
The two Mayors plans for the future of the UK are unchallengeable. I’m pleased both were re-elected at the recent elections. I’m only sorry that I may not be around to witness the implementation of them all because, at 79, my time must be limited.
In a number of months, the UK will have a Labour government. A huge responsibility rests on the shoulders of those elected to govern us for the next five years. They would do well to read this book to help them on their way.
I was brought up in industrial South Wales. I loved the place. I still have friends and close relatives there. Next weekend I shall be in Cardiff for a couple of days watching Glamorgan play cricket and spending time with those same friends and family. I left when I was in my early 20s to go teaching. On retirement my late wife suggested we live down south to be near our son and his family. She was no fan of that part of the world, the daughter of a Durham miner, but I recognised that family comes first. I’ve been here for seven years. Bookended between South Wales and Surrey, where I now live, are various locations in the north and midlands where I taught and lived. I can honestly say that, of the nine places in which I have lived, Surrey is the worst in terms of road transport. The roads are full of potholes, twists and turns and are dangerous. The local bus service is deregulated, its vehicles are ancient and its timetables are both sparse at times and unreliable. The roads are clogged with SUVs polluting the atmosphere. The town where I live, Godalming, is charming with a strong sense of community and a powerful working class tradition. But we’re all victims of the 80s here and there will need to be road transport levelling up. Like Steve Rotheram, I’ve given up driving and now use public transport. But that can be very frustrating.
Thank you gentlemen for a fine piece of work.

David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War, The Summer of ‘39, (all published by Sacristy Press) and Ordinary Heroes (published by I M Books)

[Tom Deakin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Appreciate Burnham and Rotherham’s desire for structural change to this country, because it obviously needs it. But then I wonder if that would actually change anything as radically as they think it will. Talk about the House of Lords and our unwritten constitution but when it comes down to it, I get the train into Manchester every day and see another new skyscraper being built. And then I’ll get off the train and see more and more homeless people. I understand changing where power presides is important but ultimately the ideology in power holds all the cards, and a Nigel Farage government is on the horizon. Devolution can only work when radical ideas are involved, and I just don’t think the book really offers those ideas.

Disagreements aside I can point out the good things Burnham in particular has done to the city since I moved here in 2018. I believe that both men care, and are principled at heart. The book can feel somewhat stale at times (a sense of voice doesn’t really come through in the first half, and I wonder if this was written by ghostwriters), but there’s a sense of authenticity for them that someone like Kier Starmer could never achieve. But something infinitely more radical needs to be done in order to both stop the rise of the fascists and regenerate the country and I don’t believe this book offers any answers. Maybe this book is more for those who haven’t thought about how this country can change, which is why I’ve given it three stars instead of lower, but for anyone on the left it might prove to be a diluted read.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very interesting. The ideas in it are definitely worth chewing over. The passion of both authors for the North of England really shone through. The first half of this book is a memoir of the political careers of Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, following them from their childhoods through to the present day. The second part is then their manifesto for creating a more equal Britain.

The writing was a little clunky in parts and some of the tone of the memoir in particular felt a bit self-congratulatory, but the second half was far more interesting and easy to read. As I said earlier, their passion for the topics under discussion is clear. Naturally, given their positions, this book is quite heavily skewed towards Manchester and Liverpool, and there is little discussion of other areas of the North of England. I understood why this is the case, but it did make the focus of the book feel a bit narrow at points.

Still, this is a thought-provoking and interesting read, and the ideas in it will definitely stick with me for a long time.

Content Notes:

Warnings: Discussions throughout of political corruption, violence, poverty, death, racism, xenophobia, terrorist attacks, descriptions of the Hillsborough disaster / crowd crush..

[Rebecca Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t particularly like politics or know much about it but feels very strongly about the North/South divide in England and frustrated about how divided and unfair the government seems a lot of the time. Growing up in East Yorkshire, I found myself relating to many of the issues and topics raised in this book. I’d only briefly heard Andy’s name before reading this and hadn’t heard of Steve but I can now say that the actions they’ve made over their careers to help with the devolution of England/the UK as a whole are truly inspiring. I really enjoyed reading the perspectives of both of them alongside each other in the chapters, and seeing how their different upbringings have led them both to similar positions and shared views. It’s great to hear all the fantastic work they’ve done to level up the Greater Manchester and Liverpool City regions, and I am very hopeful that their work will continue in the next generations and that one day we can achieve everything they set out in this book.

[John Endacott · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read with some interesting parts - Hillsborough, Orgreave, covid, Jeremy Corbyn attempted coup. Overall, odd that an Eng Lit grad from Cambridge has a journalist ghost write a book (as I understand it). It’s written in a newspaper style and lacks credibility and support for various statements and proposals. As a book, it just needs more time and effort spent on it to develop the thinking. There is plenty of good stuff to explore but instead it comes across as a rant.

Neither Steve Rotheram nor Andy Burnham seem to come out of it well. It’s probably because it lacks authenticity. They come across as middle managers, lacking the skills to make a difference at Westminster, not having the self-awareness to know why and then deciding to cut and run. I’m not sure that is fair, and is probably due to the filter of the way the book is written.

An interesting read nonetheless and good luck to them both.

[Ross Goldstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling read, based on the rich lived experience of two politicians, which spells out how to change the UK for the better. It is both a slightly depressing read when understanding how our current system rewards stagnation, the status quo and corruption in public office, yet also inspiring in its delivery of a manifesto for change.

Most of all, I think the changes proposed in the manifesto would read as common sense to most ordinary people who want the best for themselves, area and country.

Upon finishing the book, I was left wondering, and somewhat regretting, why these two were not able to ascend to the top of government and drive this change themselves. But as they make clear throughout the book, the points they make are increasingly being recognised as legitimate and on-the-money.

[Michaela Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book, co written by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Steve Rotherham, Mayor of Liverpool City Region. It includes some autobiographical sections where they talk about their motivations for getting into politics, including personal reflections on the Hillsborough disaster, as well as their view of the UK political system that it favours investment in London over other regions. I learnt quite a few new things about for example the ‘Green book’ standards against which potential new government funding is measured and which favours more investment to already affluent and thriving areas, and away from areas which have a longer route towards regeneration but which really need investment for social justice reasons.

[Gráinne Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undeniably clear cases for proper devolution in this country. Both two honest fellas who try their hardest and do genuinely want to make a change for the better of everyone, something that seems lost in the current political sphere. They would, and have had, any vote of mine in a heartbeat.

Obviously can’t go on without mentioning their recollections of 2009 and the following years, I’ll never forget being sat on the Kop, Andy Burnham stood about 20ft away giving his speech, for many reasons but mainly because it felt different, it felt like change. Hats off to him, he did it.

I hope they keep their jobs for a while yet, best people for the job.

[Max Mears · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugely interesting book by Andy Burnham & Steve Rotherham. It’s remarkable how so many injustices in British society are coming to light in recent times. The similarities between this book and others I have read recently, crucially highlight some of the dysfunctional elements within the British state. While some of the recommendations proposed in this book differ greatly from my own views, there are some areas, particularly the greater devaluation of powers and greater distribution of infrastructure spending outside of London! I can certainly get behind! A thoroughly enjoyable read!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Things I liked:
- insight into Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, I felt I knew them and their political views much more by the end of the book
- description of changes they want to see and how the north can model these
- outrage caused at how the north has been screwed over time and time again

Things I didn’t:
- it was hard to tell the two writers apart, even with their different fonts. A simple S or A might have helped
- would have liked even more exploration of the north south divide
- it was good but isn’t a book I’m desperate for everyone to read now and that I want to shout about