Unlike decentralized nations, the United Kingdom has historically maintained a highly centralized political system, a structure that carries substantial risks when new governance models are imposed. According to Phillip Inman, the ongoing effort to establish devolution in England is likely to be fraught with complications and proceed at a sluggish pace, posing dangers that Prime Minister Andy Burnham would be wise to heed.
The primary obstacle lies within Whitehall, where deep-seated reluctance to relinquish financial control and political authority is expected to result in fragmented and incomplete agreements. The process is anticipated to begin with a limited deal for Cornwall, which will notably lack the strong leadership and energetic mandate typically associated with a newly elected mayor.
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