Burnham told MPs his time as mayor of Greater Manchester had given him a “clear theory of growth” that further devolution of power away from Westminster would help boost the UK’s economic prospects.
But he said he wanted to avoid a “two-tier England” – where areas that have already been given greater powers pull away from those that have not.
He announced that work was under way with Cornwall council and its six MPs on a devolution deal, “with or without” an elected mayor, to help the rural economy.
Burnham’s move to grant the county greater powers, without requiring it to team up with councils in neighbouring areas, could open the door to more devolution for other single counties.
Burnham also said he would meet leaders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to explore more local powers there.
