The slightly hysterical reaction in the national press to PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham's plans for a northern extension of No 10 only proves Burnham's point, writes features editor Rob Williams. Headlines such as 'Welcome to Andy's coronation in the Rovers Return' and 'Andy Burnham's plan to run Britain part-time from Manchester' demonstrate the deep-rooted orthodoxies that Burnham must overcome if he is serious about relocating political power.
The Backlash Reveals Deep Centralisation
According to Rob Williams, the backlash tells us something really important: it is a demonstration of the knee-jerk assumption that government can only properly happen within a few streets of Parliament. This reveals just how deeply centralisation is embedded in Britain's political culture. For all the talk of devolution, Britain remains one of the most centralised democracies in the developed world. Power is located in a few streets, and geography has become inseparable from that power.
Mancs Take the Mick
Not that Mancs can't take the p*** out of the idea. A Reddit thread asked users to suggest possible locations for the northern outpost of the new Government. Suggestions included Sacha's, the city centre's notorious budget hotel, the Stockport Pyramid, the Oxford Road McDonald's, and Roy's Rolls from Corrie. One wag said: 'If it's not in Sacha's I will riot'.
Media Circus Leaves Town
In Makerfield, local democracy reporter George Lythgoe asked residents what it's like now the media circus has finally left town. Lollipop lady Pauline Barker told him he was the fifth reporter she'd spoken to in a fortnight, adding: 'The media has been less annoying than roadworks'. Steve Wilkinson said: 'You couldn't walk around the corner without being accosted and asked questions. I am only talking to you because my wife is in the shop.'
Take That's Homecoming Shows
Meanwhile, Jenna Campbell attended the final leg of Take That's sold-out homecoming shows at the Etihad. The band, now a three-piece, revived their 2009 Circus tour to spectacular effect. Jenna, previously a Take That agnostic, says she can now appreciate the magnificence of the boyband colossus.
Weather and Road Closures
Large parts of the UK look set for another heatwave next week, but in Manchester temperatures are forecast to hover around the mid-to-low 20s. In Makerfield, roadworks that are even more annoying than journalists are still causing havoc for drivers. Gerard Street, from Wigan Road to the Kings Arms traffic lights, will remain closed until November 22.
