Mayor Oliver Coppard hopeful of Prime Minister Andy Burnham visiting Sheffield
South Yorkshire's Mayor Oliver Coppard has indicated optimism that Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office on 20 July 2026, will visit the region and assist with development efforts. Coppard has long regarded Burnham as a political inspiration, pointing to his nine-year tenure as Greater Manchester Mayor, during which he reformed public transport through the 'Bee Network'. Coppard is attempting to replicate this achievement in South Yorkshire via his People's Network initiative, having already brought Supertram under public control with plans to extend this approach to buses in 2027.
Burnham's government is establishing 'Number 10 North' in Manchester to redistribute certain governmental functions beyond Westminster, granting local authorities greater autonomy. Coppard has embraced this devolution strategy, contending that it enables regions to exercise greater influence over decisions affecting their populations. The two leaders remain connected through a mayors' chat group, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening regional governance and addressing northern England's distinct challenges. Coppard attributes his political philosophy partly to Burnham's character, describing their first meeting two decades ago when Burnham was a junior MP who recognised Coppard's contributions despite his junior status.
In short
- South Yorkshire Mayor Coppard expresses hope that newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit and support regional development initiatives
- Burnham is establishing 'Number 10 North' in Manchester to shift government responsibilities away from Westminster and increase local authority decision-making power
- Coppard aims to replicate Burnham's successful Greater Manchester transit reforms through South Yorkshire's new People's Network, with Supertram already under public control
Explained simply
Oliver Coppard is the Mayor of South Yorkshire, and Andy Burnham is the Prime Minister, who took office in July 2026. Burnham previously spent nine years as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, where he oversaw reforms to the region's public transport system. The two men have a long-standing connection, with Coppard regarding Burnham as a political inspiration.
Coppard is attempting to replicate Burnham's transport reforms in South Yorkshire through an initiative called the People's Network. He has already brought the local Supertram under public control and is planning to do the same with the bus network in 2027. These changes aim to give the region greater control over its own services and development.
Burnham's government is establishing "Number 10 North" in Manchester, which involves moving certain government functions outside Westminster and giving local authorities greater say in decisions affecting their regions. Coppard supports this devolution strategy, viewing it as a way for northern England to exercise greater influence over its own future.