Burnham pushes major powers shift as Catherine completes Three Peaks challenge

Andy Burnham was set to use a major speech to argue for a 10-year transfer of power from Whitehall to regional mayors, with his plan framed around a "No 10 in the North" and a wider push for devolution and economic reform. The speech was being cast as his first major policy intervention since returning to Westminster, and as a test of whether Britain is willing to move real authority out of London.

Burnham's pitch centred on housing, infrastructure and a stronger role for local decision-making, with mayors controlling more policy areas instead of leaving them in the hands of central departments. For voters outside the capital, the substance matters more than the slogan: the question is whether elected local leaders will be able to shape the homes built, the transport schemes delivered and the economic choices made in their own regions.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, meanwhile completed the National Three Peaks Challenge over the weekend, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, also known as Yr Wyddfa, within 24 hours. The route covers about 23 miles, or 37 kilometres, of walking, 3,064 metres, or 10,052 feet, of ascent and roughly 462 miles of driving between the peaks. She took it on to highlight the "deeper impact of serious illness" and to "explore life beyond diagnosis", while raising money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Kensington Palace said it believed the expedition was a royal first, with the Princess the first member of the royal family to complete the challenge. She was supported by Mountain Rescue and was greeted at the end by Prince William, their three children, her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and her brother James Middleton. The charity said the challenge also underlined the importance of holistic care and support for people facing cancer.