Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has publicly advocated for the United Kingdom to move away from its traditional uncodified constitutional arrangement in favor of a formal written constitution. This proposal was a central theme in his 2024 book, 'Head North: A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain.'

Burnham’s argument is rooted in his ongoing push for regional devolution. He suggests that the current system, which relies on a collection of statutes, conventions, and judicial decisions, is insufficient to guarantee the equitable distribution of power and resources across Britain. By codifying the relationship between the central government and the regions, Burnham believes the UK could foster a more balanced and democratic political landscape.

While the debate over a written constitution has surfaced periodically in British politics, it has historically faced resistance from those who argue that the flexibility of the current uncodified system is a strength. Proponents of the status quo often contend that a written document could lead to judicial overreach or political gridlock. Burnham’s intervention seeks to frame the issue not as a legal technicality, but as a prerequisite for addressing regional inequality. As of now, there is no formal government commitment to pursuing such a constitutional overhaul, and the proposal remains a personal policy platform for the Mayor rather than a legislative priority for the current administration.