No 10 North Opens in Manchester

Andy Burnham has inaugurated No 10 North in Manchester, a new government base intended to distribute authority from the capital to other parts of the country. Mr Burnham stated the office would promote 'growth in every corner of the country' and represented a significant step in decentralising government functions. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to move power away from Whitehall and Westminster.

Criticism and Support for the Initiative

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The establishment of No 10 North has drawn criticism from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who described it as a 'gimmick'. Ms Badenoch argued that the new office would not improve decision-making processes but would instead create an additional civil service branch in a different location. She also raised concerns about the cost of the operation. Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller urged Mr Burnham to ensure the office serves the entire country and is not merely a convenient working base for Manchester-based politicians.

Conversely, Mr Burnham expressed his belief that No 10 North would facilitate the flow of power, energy, and new ideas. He highlighted the potential cost savings from reducing the need for officials to travel to London for meetings. Ministers including Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds were present at the opening. Mr Burnham indicated that similar arrangements were being discussed for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Operational Details and Future Plans

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No 10 North is currently operating from Heron House in central Manchester, a building shared with intelligence agencies. A new, purpose-built government site in Ancoats is scheduled for completion in 2032. Downing Street confirmed that the Prime Minister travelled to Manchester for the event, stating that appropriate transport is used to ensure ministers can perform their duties effectively while maintaining value for taxpayers. Mr Burnham is expected to work from the Manchester office weekly and will chair meetings of the National Economic Council there.

Broader Context of Civil Service Relocation

This move aligns with a wider government objective to relocate civil service roles away from London. A target was set last year to reduce the number of roles in the capital by 12,000. Current figures indicate that approximately one-fifth of civil servants are based in London, a proportion that has been decreasing. However, senior roles outside the capital still represent less than half of those based in London. Relocation packages are reportedly being offered to Whitehall officials willing to move to Manchester.