Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a summit of the UK's devolved leaders, scheduled for October at the National Economic Council. The meet-up, set to include the first ministers of Wales and Scotland, plus the first and deputy first ministers of Northern Ireland, is being pitched as a chance to get everyone on board with 'good jobs in every community.'

Burnham, who took over from Sir Keir Starmer in July after winning the Makerfield by-election, made the announcement ahead of his first official visit to south Wales since becoming PM. The former Greater Manchester mayor is on a listening tour, because apparently the answers to the UK's challenges won't come from an echo chamber. They'll come from places that 'know their own strengths' and a government willing to listen and then act. So, basically, a government that does its job.

During his visit, Burnham will meet Welsh deputy first minister Sioned Williams, who is calling for a 'fair share' of the UK government's steel fund, an energy social tariff, and for high standing charges in Wales to be addressed. Williams noted that Wales is an energy-rich nation and should see that reflected in good jobs, stronger communities, and lower bills. Because being rich in energy but poor in bills is just showing off.

The National Economic Council, revived by Burnham, was originally created by the Gordon Brown administration in 2008. A previous meeting included government ministers and English local authority mayors. This time, the PM wants to discuss 'how we will drive good growth in every postcode across the UK' with the devolved leaders.

The Welsh government is looking forward to discussing shared challenges, including growth, investment, and support for families facing the cost-of-living crisis. Plaid Cymru, meanwhile, has been pressing for more powers and funding for the Senedd. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth met Burnham at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July and said it was 'too early' to know if the new PM would agree to his calls. Downing Street said then that the PM wanted an 'open and ongoing dialogue.' So, at least they're talking.

Also in the news: toxic waste sites exposed in a Michael Sheen documentary are just the 'tip of the iceberg,' off-roaders damaged a protected site after posting videos to TikTok, and Plaid Cymru's first 100 days in power have been... eventful? Stay tuned.