'Andy Burnham must lead real change if he becomes Prime Minister — and not just inherit it'

'Andy Burnham must lead real change if he becomes Prime Minister — and not just inherit it' Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP, will on Monday pledge to give Britain the “circuit-breaker it needs” in a major speech unveiling his plans for devolution and the economy Andy Burnham is almost certain to reach Downing Street, but taking power is only the beginning. The real test is whether he'll move it out of Whitehall and closer to the people. His first major speech recognises the great weakness in how Britain is run. For too long, authority and money have been hoarded in London, while towns and regions compete for scraps of attention from the capital. That model has failed. It has weakened industry, stalled housebuilding, narrowed opportunity, and left communities feeling decisions are done to them, not with them. If Mr Burnham becomes Prime Minister, his promised circuit-breaker must mean real change - power, money and trust handed to the places best able to use them. Devolution cannot be another Whitehall slogan. It has to become how Britain is governed. The test will be practical: better homes, decent jobs, stronger industry, improved education and rising living standards in every postcode. Mr Burnham may soon inherit power. He should be judged by how boldly he shares it. Further grief after more tragic drownings Another teenager has died in open water. Another family has been destroyed. Another summer weekend has ended not with laughter, but with unbearable grief. Seven people drowned during the recent week-long heatwave, including a 15-year-old boy at Cowbury Reservoir. These are not freak accidents. They are preventable tragedies, and Britain keeps ignoring the warnings until another body is pulled from the water. That is why the Mirror’s Save Lives for Sam campaign matters so urgently. Drowning is a public health crisis. Children need compulsory water safety lessons. Parents need clear advice pushed across social media. Dangerous waterways need lifesaving equipment. Sam’s Law must make that protection a legal duty. Britain needs a Minister for Water Safety. Hot weather should bring joy, not funerals. MPs must act now. Thank you, Stokes Ben Stokes leaves international cricket as he played it: giving everything. From the World Cup miracle at Lord’s to Headingley heroics, he gave England fans moments that will live forever. Even his retirement announcement was followed by a wicket. England loses a giant. Cricket says thank you to a true great.