New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham Calls for a Codified Constitution

Andy Burnham, the United Kingdom's newly appointed prime minister, has voiced support for establishing a written constitution, noting that the country's existing uncodified arrangement hampers clear governance. The 56-year-old, formerly mayor of Greater Manchester, has placed devolution of power to regional bodies at the centre of his early policy agenda. He described the move toward a codified charter as a step toward a "new constitutional settlement" that would set transparent principles for running the nation.

Burnham also announced that English regional mayors will be permitted to keep a share of taxes raised in their jurisdictions, further shifting authority away from Westminster. While Britain’s devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were created in the 1990s, England remains highly centralised, a point highlighted by experts. Any attempt to codify the constitution would likely involve a lengthy public inquiry and extensive consultation.