Burnham Begins Work at No 10 North in Manchester

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has become the first British Prime Minister to work from No 10 North in Manchester, marking what the government describes as a significant step towards decentralising power and economic decision-making.

Operating from Heron House in Manchester city centre, No 10 North will serve as a base for the Prime Minister and ministers, with Burnham expected to work there at least one day each week. The government says the new office will bring together key departments responsible for economic growth and devolution, with the aim of ensuring major decisions are made closer to communities across the UK rather than solely in Westminster.

On his first day at the new office, Burnham is due to chair the revived National Economic Council, bringing together senior ministers, regional mayors and business leaders to discuss growth, investment and devolved decision-making.

Announcing the move, Burnham said that for decades “power and resources have been sucked into the centre” and argued that No 10 North would help put “more power into every postcode across the entire country.” He described it as “the situation room for making Britain better.”

The government says the initiative forms part of its wider programme to expand devolution and support regional economic growth. Critics, however, will be watching closely to see whether the move results in meaningful changes to decision-making or remains largely symbolic.