Andy Burnham is considering relocating some of his operations from Downing Street to Manchester as part of a plan 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, marking a significant move towards devolution that is expected to be a key aspect of his agenda.
Burnham has been a vocal critic of the London-centric political landscape and has pledged to evaluate policies based on their impact on constituents in the North West, a principle he refers to as the “Makerfield test.”
Moving a portion of the Prime Minister’s operation outside of London, symbolized by the iconic black door of No10, could signal a shift in governance under Burnham’s leadership. While previous attempts to distribute power beyond London, such as Rishi Sunak’s establishment of a Treasury campus in Darlington, have faced challenges, Burnham’s proposal aims to set a precedent for a more geographically inclusive governance approach.
Various politicians, including Boris Johnson and John McDonnell, have previously proposed decentralizing government functions to regions outside of London, but these initiatives did not come to fruition. Burnham is expected to articulate his vision for governance as the likelihood of a leadership challenge diminishes, positioning him to potentially assume the role of Prime Minister on July 17.
Amid mounting anticipation for Burnham’s potential premiership, there is growing pressure on him to articulate his policy direction without the need for a leadership contest. While some Members of Parliament express concerns about the lack of clarity on Burnham’s plans, acknowledging his majority support within the Labour Party, others emphasize the importance of understanding his economic agenda.
As Burnham prepares to assemble his team in anticipation of a possible tenure at No10, speculation surrounds the selection of his Chancellor, with considerations about the ideological orientation and stability they would bring to the role. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding potential appointments to key positions, including the Chancellor of the Exchequer and other ministerial roles.
Notable figures, such as Rachel Reeves, Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, and Louise Haigh, are being considered for prominent roles in Burnham’s government. James Purnell, a former minister known for his Blairite stance, is anticipated to take on a crucial behind-the-scenes role as Burnham’s chief of staff.
Burnham has been consulting with prominent economic figures, including Andy Haldane, Richard Hughes, and Jim O’Neill, to shape his economic agenda. Lord O’Neill has expressed support for redistributing power away from London, emphasizing the need for localized solutions to address societal challenges effectively.
While Burnham has not confirmed reports regarding the relocation of parts of No10 to the North, he has expressed enthusiasm for the prospect. The move towards decentralization of power from London could mark a significant shift in the governance approach under a potential Burnham administration.
