Andy Burnham has declared that the recently inaugurated No10 North will serve as “the central hub of a restructured Britain.” Speaking to the staff at the Manchester office, which commenced operations this week, Burnham emphasized that power and vitality will emanate from the facility, where he intends to dedicate at least one day per week.
The establishment of the new office is aimed at redistributing power away from London, according to Burnham, who believes its significance surpasses current perceptions. He stated, “Having a North Pole to counterbalance the South Pole of our nation, where power traditionally congregates, is a positive step towards a more equitable country, enabling significant achievements to originate from this region.”
Describing No10 North as the junction where Whitehall interacts with the rest of the country, Burnham likened it to a nerve center for revitalizing Britain. He envisions it as a command center for growth, where mayors, teams, and Whitehall departments convene to expedite decision-making and overcome obstacles to progress.
Burnham, who previously served as the regional mayor of Manchester for almost a decade, expressed immense pride in witnessing the operationalization of No10 North, describing it as the pinnacle of his career. Responding to critics questioning the cost implications of establishing the northern office, Burnham argued that the expenses associated with frequent travel to London for meetings should also be considered.
The Prime Minister emphasized that No10 North is not solely for England but also aims to benefit Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Cabinet members, including Chancellor John Healey and other ministers, convened at the office for a meeting of the National Economic Council, focusing on driving economic growth nationwide.
The government’s initiative to establish a power base in Manchester is part of a broader agenda to address regional disparities and provide equal opportunities across the country. Burnham stressed the importance of empowering local leaders, fostering collaboration, and decentralizing authority from Westminster to facilitate progress.
Outside the building housing GCHQ, a significant police presence was observed as the Prime Minister arrived for the event. Housing Secretary Ms. Rayner highlighted the devolution agenda’s positive impacts in Greater Manchester and emphasized the importance of decentralizing power to benefit all regions equally.