Andy Burnham, the newly-elected Labour MP and former Mayor of Greater Manchester, is reportedly planning to relocate parts of the Number 10 operation to Manchester, in a bid to break away from what he calls 'Westminster-centric' politics, according to the Financial Times.
Move to Set Up 'Number 10 in the North'
Burnham, who won the Makerfield by-election last week and was sworn in as an MP on June 22, is expected to outline plans for devolution of power on Monday, as reported by the Press Association. He has told staff that he expects to spend significant time in Manchester even if he becomes prime minister, a role he is widely expected to assume following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation.
Historical Context and Previous Proposals
This move echoes a 2020 proposal by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who urged parliamentary authorities to consider relocating the House of Lords out of London while the Palace of Westminster undergoes renovations. York was suggested as a potential location, but the proposal was rejected by the relevant decision-making body.
Political Reactions and Leadership Race
Earlier on Wednesday, senior minister Darren Jones urged Burnham to provide more details on his economic policies, after ruling himself out of the Labour leadership race. Jones said Burnham should address concerns from 'upwards of 100 MPs' who are worried about his plans or feeling 'pretty depressed' by Starmer's resignation. Jones also cautioned Burnham against appointing Ed Miliband as chancellor, declining to support the current Energy Secretary and setting out 'tests' for the next occupant of Number 11.
Path to Number 10
Jones's decision to withdraw from the leadership contest removes another obstacle for Burnham, with few other MPs emerging as potential challengers. Former armed forces minister Al Carns, who resigned earlier this month over defence spending, remains a possible contender, challenging Burnham to present a policy platform he can support. If no other candidate secures the 81 nominations required to appear on the Labour leadership ballot, Burnham is expected to enter Downing Street by July 18, making him Britain's fifth prime minister in four years.
