Andy Burnham has promised a new political and economic direction, drawing on his experience of devolved government in Greater Manchester. But can “Manchesterism” provide a credible answer to Britain's stagnating economy, failing public services and deep regional inequalities? What would Burnham need to change—and how could his ambitions be funded without returning to austerity? Political economist Richard Murphy examines whether Burnham can turn a compelling political narrative into a programme capable of delivering real change.

Richard Murphy is a political economist, chartered accountant and Emeritus Professor of Accounting Practice at the University of Sheffield. He is the author of the *Funding the Future* blog, where he writes on taxation, public finance, inequality, economic reform and environmental sustainability. A prominent tax justice campaigner, he co-founded the Tax Justice Network and helped develop the concept of country-by-country reporting for multinational companies. He has written extensively about government money creation, the Green New Deal and the economic choices available to governments that reject austerity. His work challenges conventional claims about the limits of public spending and argues for an economy organised around social and ecological need rather than financial wealth.

Richard will present online to the live audience.

Date

Tuesday 28 July 2026 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (UTC+01)

Location

Makespace Oxfordshire
1 Aristotle Lane, Oddington, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX2 6TP

Booking

Here