His broader economic platform includes tackling youth unemployment, expanding regional investment and launching what he described as the largest council house-building program since the years immediately following World War II.

"I am going to give Britain the circuit-breaker it needs," Burnham said. "The country spends too much time arguing and not enough time doing."

Burnham's speech follows a period of growing political uncertainty for Labour.

Although the party remains in government, recent opinion polls have shown it trailing Nigel Farage's Reform UK, while Burnham's strong performance in the recent Makerfield by-election has strengthened his standing within the party.

Long regarded as one of Labour's most influential regional leaders, Burnham has built his political reputation around expanding devolution and strengthening local government.

Monday's address signaled that, if he becomes prime minister, he intends to make those principles the centerpiece of his national agenda.