Andy Burnham Opens No. 10 North In Manchester To Shift Power From Westminster

Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened No. 10 North in Manchester, creating a new political base outside London as he attempts to shift power and investment away from Westminster. The move is being seen as a major test of whether Britain can spread decision making and economic growth more evenly across the country.

Burnham, who served as Greater Manchester mayor for nine years before returning to national politics, said the office is not just a second workplace but a symbol of a new way of governing. He plans to work from No. 10 North at least one day a week with advisers, experts and civil servants.

Calling it “a North Pole that balances the South Pole” of Westminster politics, Burnham said, “It’s not another office. It is a fundamental change to the way the country thinks about growth and investment.”

The move is unusual in British politics. Previous prime ministers have worked from their constituencies or the Chequers country retreat, but no leader in living memory has operated a major government office outside London.

Burnham believes Manchester’s transformation can become a model for the rest of Britain. During his time as mayor, the city saw major development, with new buildings, growing service industries and expanded transport networks. His approach, known as “Manchesterism”, combines private investment with greater local control over housing, transport, skills and public services.

Now, Burnham wants to use No. 10 North to help areas affected by factory closures, job losses and young people leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. He has announced that regional mayors will keep a larger share of income and business tax revenue raised in their areas, calling it the “biggest transfer of power, funding and responsibility from Westminster in a generation.”

However, details of the funding changes are still unclear. Political scientist Rob Ford said Burnham appears serious about changing Britain’s highly centralised system but warned it would be a difficult task.

Critics argue Manchester’s success has not reached every part of the region and question whether a Manchester office can represent cities such as Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield.

Supporters say the move could bring government closer to ordinary people. Rose Marley of Co-operatives UK compared it with the BBC’s move of some operations to Salford, saying it helped northern voices gain more attention.