Conservative grandee Lord Michael Heseltine has backed Andy Burnham's plan for a "No 10 in the North", describing it as an "important gesture in the right direction" that could have "very beneficial" consequences for the UK economy. The former deputy prime minister, who first proposed directly elected mayors in 1991, said Burnham's vision, if delivered, could benefit all political parties and the entire economy.
Burnham's Proposal for a Northern Downing Street
In a speech on Monday, the presumptive next prime minister pledged to "rewire" the British state by handing greater decision-making power to local leaders. His flagship proposal involves creating an outpost of 10 Downing Street in Manchester, which would serve as a "nerve centre" to drive priorities such as reindustrialisation and redistributing power across the UK. The plan has also received support from Housing Secretary Steve Reed, who called it a "great idea" and backed Burnham's commitment to "go further and faster" on devolution.
Heseltine's Endorsement and Warnings
Lord Heseltine, in an interview with the Press Association, emphasised that the critical factor is having a Prime Minister committed to devolution. He stated: "The critical thing is to have a Prime Minister who is committed to the devolution agenda, and without that, the various components of power in Whitehall will fragment and resist. Creating a powerful No 10 unit, whether it's in Manchester or in London or anywhere else, is an important gesture in the right direction." He described Manchester as "probably the most effective example of what David Cameron began to introduce" with devolution reforms under former communities secretary Greg Clark.
However, Heseltine cautioned against proposals to allow local leaders to set and retain business rates, arguing that differences in local revenue must be balanced by central government intervention. He advised: "If I was advising Andy Burnham now I'd say look, don't tinker around with local income tax or local rates, get on with the job of generating wealth, and that is basically using capital funds."
Cross-Party Cooperation and Reform UK
Lord Heseltine, who authored a 2012 report that became a blueprint for devolution under David Cameron, noted his "very good relationship" with Burnham from his time as metro mayor. He welcomed Burnham's pledge to reach across the political divide, but also called on Labour and the Conservatives to "expose" Reform UK, which he described as an "extremist" proposition. He said Burnham's by-election victory in Makerfield was "a very substantial advantage for those of us who believe in the dangers of Reform", adding: "Nigel Farage set out to appear as (Donald) Trump's vicar in Britain but is now more likely to be seen as his relic."
A Reform UK spokesperson responded: "This is the same old tired, establishment smear we've heard for years from out-of-touch grandees like Lord Heseltine. If Labour and the Conservatives want to form an alliance, good luck to them."
Burnham's Path to Downing Street
Housing Secretary Steve Reed, seen as a loyalist to Sir Keir Starmer, expressed hope that Burnham would be installed as Prime Minister "as quickly as possible" by the end of July, noting his "very widespread support amongst the Parliamentary Labour Party". Lord Heseltine concluded that if Burnham carries through his vision with determination, "we could find a very beneficial consequence for all our political parties, and our entire economy."
