Andy Burnham could become the next prime minister as early as 20 July, and if he does, he plans to spend part of his working week in Manchester – a break with tradition that would make him the first premier since Harold Wilson not to live primarily in Downing Street.
In his first speech since launching his Labour leadership bid, the former Greater Manchester mayor announced he would create a new “No 10 North” unit in Manchester, which he said would “oversee the biggest rebalancing of power our country has ever seen”. The unit would give English regions more control over housing and transport, and shift key economic decisions away from the Treasury to his new team. “The political direction I set will not be up for negotiation,” Burnham said.
“Andy Burnham could become PM on 20 July and plans to split his time between Downing Street and a new No 10 North in Manchester.”
Burnham’s allies hope his presence in the city will be a strong symbol of his commitment to devolving power from Westminster. Past prime ministers, including Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, have spent some time away from London in their constituencies, but those around Burnham say his arrangements would be different to the norm. If he does not make Downing Street his main home, he would be the first prime minister since Harold Wilson not to reside primarily there – Wilson lived at Lord North Street during his second term. The last prime minister not to live in No 10 at all was Lord Salisbury at the end of the 19th century.
Harriet Harman, the former deputy Labour leader, said Burnham’s approach was unusual but it should work. The full details of how the No 10 North unit would operate have not yet been made public – a point that drew mixed reactions from readers.
Che Connon, 54, a chief executive from Newcastle, said the concept sounded good but warned against regional infighting: “The No 10 North has to be somewhere. But the focus needs to be on the concept of regional activities, not on specific regions – otherwise it falls over with infighting.” Lynda Mitchell, 67, a retired local authority manager from Plymouth, said she despaired that the proposed additional national office was to be based in Manchester: “Manchester is another metropolitan city that’s had loads of money and interventions thrown at it.” She suggested Norwich, Truro or Penrith instead.
Burnham became the only Labour MP to announce a leadership bid after being elected as the MP for Makerfield. If he remains the sole candidate, he could succeed Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on 20 July.