Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham has announced plans to divide his working time between Downing Street and Manchester if he becomes the United Kingdom’s next prime minister.
As part of his vision for government, Burnham said he would establish a new “No 10 North” unit in Manchester to drive a major shift in decision-making away from Westminster and give English regions greater control over key areas such as housing, transport, and economic development.
Although details of his working schedule have not been finalized, the proposal reflects his commitment to decentralising power and strengthening regional governance.
Burnham unveiled the plan during his first major speech since launching his bid to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader. He is currently the only Labour MP to have declared interest in the leadership race and could become prime minister if elected.
Supporters believe his regular presence in Manchester would symbolize a stronger commitment to devolution and regional representation.
Under Burnham’s proposal, major economic decisions would be increasingly transferred from Whitehall to regional authorities, with the new Manchester-based unit playing a central role in coordinating that agenda.
If implemented, the arrangement would mark a significant departure from the traditional practice of British prime ministers working primarily from Downing Street and could represent one of the most notable shifts in the balance of political power in recent decades.
