Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield and prime minister-in-waiting, has pledged to establish a No 10 North in Manchester's Ancoats district, moving parts of Whitehall to the city. The proposed site is a disused retail park once home to Toys R Us, Argos, and JD Sports, now being developed into the Manchester Digital Campus, which will house around 8,800 civil servants from multiple government departments.
Ancoats: From Textile Hub to Government Heart
Ancoats, once the center of Manchester's textile industry and later home to the famed Sankeys nightclub, has transformed into one of the city's hippest suburbs, with restaurants, bars, and a serviced marina. Property prices have soared in recent years, and the government move is expected to accelerate this trend. The Digital Campus is not due for full completion until 2032; in the interim, Burnham's team is reportedly seeking other office space, such as Heron House, currently occupied by GCHQ, though GCHQ has no plans to vacate.
Support and Concerns from Officials
Darren Jones, chief secretary to the prime minister, praised the idea at a London event, noting the success of the Treasury's Darlington Economic Campus. Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, welcomed the plan, stating, 'For too long, Whitehall and the wider political establishment have allowed an economic chasm to open up between Greater London and the UK's other major cities.' He added that Manchester already has suitable government office space.
However, former head of royal protection Dai Davies highlighted security challenges, dubbing the Manchester base 'Number 10A.' He estimated costs of 'many millions of pounds' for 24/7 protection, technical security, surveillance, and possibly underground detection systems. A Greater Manchester police spokesperson said they would work with necessary departments on security arrangements as plans evolve.
Logistical Hurdles and Travel Concerns
Rail expert Tony Miles noted that commuting between Manchester and London by rail would be challenging without disrupting other passengers, requiring a block of seats for security and aides. A typical journey takes about four hours, but delays are common. Miles called the idea 'worthy' but warned it may annoy passengers and voters.
A snap poll of 100 adults by 38 Degrees and JL Partners found broad support for moving power away from Westminster. A female Labour voter in Exeter said, 'People in London need to realise there are other cities in this country that have powerful and strong leaders.' A Reform UK voter in Scunthorpe added, 'I like the idea of setting something up north as everything is done in London.' However, some expressed doubts, with a Labour voter in Leeds saying, 'I don't know how this will work.'
Local Reaction in Ancoats
In Ancoats, the plan was overwhelmingly welcomed. Green councillor Hussayn Salem said, 'If this is a genuine devolution of power away from Whitehall, if decisions are genuinely being made up here rather than just badged as northern, and if it brings more jobs for Manchester residents and strengthens our local economy, then we welcome it.' Sanger Ismail, owner of Bee Barbers near the Digital Campus, said, 'I think he's chosen the best place. It's a nice community. And it's got nice, green areas as well.' Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Northwood said, 'When it comes to moving power out of London, we're very supportive,' and suggested the undeveloped second half of the site could be a public rose garden.
