Andy Burnham establishes 'No. 10 North' in Manchester to decentralize government power and stimulate regional economic growth
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched 'No. 10 North,' a new flagship office in Manchester designed to redistribute economic power and decision-making from London to the north of England. The office, currently based at Heron House, serves as a symbol of the administration's commitment to decentralizing government and providing local leaders with more autonomy. Burnham, who previously served as the mayor of Greater Manchester, is utilizing the office to replicate his 'Manchesterism' approach—a business-friendly form of socialism that leverages private investment to drive regional development. To support this initiative, the administration announced that mayors will retain a larger share of business tax revenue, marking a significant transfer of responsibility from Westminster. While some critics argue the move could be a gimmick or may leave the Greater Manchester Combined Authority feeling 'hollowed out' as senior staff are recruited to the new hub, supporters view it as a vital step in breaking the 'glass ceiling' for civil servants who previously had to move to London to advance their careers.