In a groundbreaking move, Andy Burnham, the newly installed Prime Minister and former mayor of Greater Manchester, has announced the launch of No 10 North, a pivotal initiative aimed at decentralising power and enhancing regional influence in UK economic policy. Burnham’s vision is nothing less than a radical reshaping of governance, asserting that “no one in government loses when power is shared.”
Power Shift: Regional Mayors Take Centre Stage
Burnham’s announcement signifies a monumental shift in the UK’s political landscape, positioning regional mayors at the helm of economic decision-making. He has revitalised the National Economic Council (NEC), originally established by Gordon Brown during the 2008 financial crisis, to ensure that economic growth is treated with urgency and collective responsibility.
In a candid article for the Guardian, Burnham expressed his commitment to devolution, stating, “When I entered Downing Street, I told staff that the era of fighting devolution is over.” The inaugural NEC meeting, chaired by Burnham himself, is set to convene on Friday, bringing together senior ministers and regional leaders to embed devolution within the government’s core agenda.
No 10 North: The New Economic Engine
Operating from Heron House in central Manchester, the No 10 North initiative seeks to unify local economic strategies under one roof, fostering collaboration rather than competition among various government departments. Burnham articulated a vision where decisions impacting the economy are no longer monopolised by Westminster, insisting that “it is about driving growth from the most powerful office in the land and doing so in close alignment with the Treasury.”
With senior figures like Louise Haigh, the new head of the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, planning to work from Manchester, the initiative aims to integrate regional input into national economic plans. As the first British leader to regularly run operations from Manchester, Burnham faces the challenge of demonstrating that this shift is substantive rather than merely symbolic.
A New Era of Governance
This ambitious restructuring comes as Burnham consolidates power within a newly formed Prime Minister’s department, absorbing elements of the Cabinet Office and the Treasury. This centralisation of authority aims to position No 10 North as the driving force behind the UK’s economic strategy, while also ensuring that local leaders are actively involved in decision-making processes.
The NEC meetings will feature a rotating roster of attendees, including business leaders and trade union representatives, ensuring a diverse array of perspectives is brought to the table. Burnham’s assertion that No 10 North will “remove barriers to regeneration” speaks to his commitment to fostering economic equality across the UK.
Why it Matters
The establishment of No 10 North represents more than just a new office in Manchester; it signals a profound rethinking of how power is distributed in the UK. By placing regional mayors at the forefront of economic policy, Burnham aims to create a more inclusive governance model that prioritises local needs and aspirations. This initiative could redefine the relationship between central and local government, paving the way for a more balanced and equitable approach to economic growth that resonates across all regions of the UK.