Andy Burnham, a Labour Party politician and prospective Prime Minister, announced a plan to establish a "No 10 North" in Manchester.
The proposal seeks to fundamentally alter the UK's governance structure by shifting power away from London. By devolving decision-making to regional governments, the plan aims to address long-standing economic disparities between the north and south of England.
Speaking at the Manchester People's History Museum, Burnham said the "New No 10 North plan will rebalance power in Britain" [1]. The initiative is framed as a 10-year vision [2] designed to empower local authorities to manage their own growth and infrastructure.
Burnham said the primary goal of the shift is to "drive good growth in every postcode" [1]. This strategy involves moving administrative functions and policy-making authority to the regions to ensure that economic development is not centered solely in the capital.
As part of this regional empowerment, Burnham highlighted specific domestic goals. He said the plan would include the "biggest council house building programme since 'the post-war period'" [3]. This focus on housing is intended to support the broader goal of regional economic stability, and growth.
The proposed devolution of power is intended to allow regional governments to respond more effectively to local needs. By creating a northern hub of authority, the plan seeks to reduce the reliance on central government approval for critical regional projects.
“New No 10 North plan will rebalance power in Britain”
The proposal represents a significant push for constitutional reform in the UK. By attempting to create a regional equivalent to 10 Downing Street, Burnham is challenging the centralized nature of British governance and linking regional autonomy directly to economic recovery and housing availability.
