Andy Burnham is considering relocating parts of his administrative hub from Downing Street to Manchester, aiming to decentralize power from London. The former Greater Manchester mayor is set to propose establishing a “No10 in the North” if he assumes the role of Prime Minister. This initiative, as reported by the FT, is anticipated to be a pivotal aspect of his governance strategy.
Burnham has been vocal about the London-centric nature of British politics and has pledged to evaluate policies based on their impact on his constituents in the North West. Moving a segment of the Prime Minister’s operations away from London, symbolized by the iconic black door of No10, could signify a shift in power dynamics. While other attempts to redistribute power outside of London, such as Rishi Sunak’s Treasury campus in Darlington, have not gained traction, Burnham’s proposal could set a new precedent.
Previous suggestions to relocate institutions like the House of Lords to York or parts of the Bank of England to Birmingham have not materialized. Burnham is expected to outline his governance vision as the possibility of facing a contender diminishes, positioning him for a potential ascent to the Prime Ministerial role. Darren Jones, a key supporter of Keir Starmer, has withdrawn from the leadership race, expressing confidence in Burnham’s leadership potential.
Pressure is mounting on Burnham to elucidate his policy agenda before assuming office, given the lack of clarity surrounding his plans. With preparations underway for his potential premiership, the selection of his Chancellor remains a focal point. Speculation surrounds the replacement of Rachel Reeves as No11, with names like Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting in contention for the role. Burnham is also seeking counsel from economic experts to shape his policies effectively.
Lord O’Neill has endorsed the idea of redistributing power outside London, emphasizing the need for localized solutions to address societal challenges effectively. While Burnham has not confirmed the relocation reports, there is enthusiasm for the potential shift.