How likely is it for Andy Burnham to support nightlife once Prime Minister?
Andy Burnham’s popularity could allow him to step into No10 as soon as July 2026 after the recent resignation of Sir Kier Starmer.
It is highly likely that Andy Burnham will continue to support nightlife once becoming PM after his continued open support towards the industry as Mayor of Greater Manchester. During his tenure, he created the Nighttime Economy Advisor role for Greater Manchester to help strengthen the sector, showing his interest in aiding nighttime businesses.
Previously, he has also defended the people of Manchester when the Tory government tried to enforce Tier 3 COVID-19 rules in Manchester to which Burnham called unfair and wrong as it lacked the support for businesses and its workers. Andy Burnham also continues his promise for devolution, giving more power to mayors to resolve licensing disputes. Burnham is calling it the “biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen”. In June 2026, Andy Burnham publicly backed the cut by 20% VAT for businesses including pubs and music venues in the by-election.
In what ways could Andy Burnham as Prime Minister benefit nightclubs?
Andy Burnham is a huge advocate for the nightlife and hospitality sector, and therefore we expect positive changes to nightclubs across the UK. The success of his Bee Network system, which benefits the sector, shows that we could be expecting changes to safety regulations to ensure the youth population that fuels this industry is kept safe through regulations in the law. For example, Andy Burnham could further strengthen the Health and Safety at Work 1974 Act which requires owners to ensure the safety and welfare of their staff and customers. This then would improve the welfare of young people employed within the nightlife sector, improving relationships between modern nightlife and future generations.
During his by-election campaign, Burnham promised a cut in business rates and pubs by 20% and instead the rest would be paid for by out-of-town warehouses and online retailers too. This would benefit nightclubs as business rates are one of the largest financial strains for clubs. This would slow the persistent closure of clubs we have witnessed this past decade and help inspire more investment and entrepreneurship within the sector.
How could Andy Burnham change certain policies to assist regeneration?
There is a huge need for regeneration within nightlife business sector due to it being the worst affected industry during the pandemic and having never recovered. By changing certain policies; such as cutting business rates by 20% or providing financial support and loans to struggling nightlife businesses including nightclubs and independent venues; Andy Burnham could restart the nighttime economy. An initiative to recognising iconic nightclub venues as cultural institutions would reduce tax burdens and bolster consumer interest. Changes would offer an extra boost to help the industry become more independent and harbour a better relationship with local councils.
What businesses are most likely to benefit from Andy Burnham as Prime Minister?
Regional and local businesses are also expected to benefit through Andy Burnham’s devolution agenda. His expectation is that devolution will spur economic growth, putting more money in people’s pockets which is to be spent on retail and hospitality businesses. His promise for “a rebalancing of power” is likely to see less money being siphoned by Westminster and more going to our local governments in aid of grants and outreach schemes. This is predicted to result in higher incomes, proven by the example of Greater Manchester. Statistics show impressive productivity growth in Manchester, with transport, business investments and affordable housing. Businesses that have visibly benefitted are bars, nightclubs, music venues, restaurants, themed cafes, tech-based businesses and manufacturing. The number of businesses in the city has risen by 30% since 2015, with professional services firms and independents leading the way.
What are the most important policy changes Andy Burnham could push for which would improve life for nighttime business owners?
Policies and changes won’t be aimed directly at nighttime business owners but instead will link to the nighttime industry to benefit multiple areas at once. For example, improving the transport system will create an ease-of-use for travelling to nightclubs, and improve safety – which ultimately boosts footfall. Also, the regeneration initiative and a cut to business rates will have a huge impact on the nighttime business sector.
With his housing and strategic planning focus, more people will begin residence in local areas. And with economic growth through devolution, spending time at nighttime venues is set to improve. His track record suggests he favours dedicated representation in all areas – often creating unpaid job roles for experts while in his mayoral office. Therefore, NDML would expect a nighttime economy minister role to be created, and a dedicated representative to be given the role, fighting for our sector.
Overall, this evidence suggests that Andy Burnham as Prime Minster would offer hope for the future of the nightlife business sector across the UK. That is however if he sticks to his promised policies and continues with his pro-nightlife attitude, continuing to show support in aid of nightlife businesses, as he has done many times in the past.
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