Number 10 North opened today as Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the Manchester base as a 'nerve centre for a rewired Britain'.
Speaking to staff and ministers at the newly opened centre of government in Heron House in the city centre, the Prime Minister said: "I cannot tell you what a proud moment this is. I think this might be the best day of my life. I’m not joking either. I know you think I am, but I’m not."
"Things are just completely coming full circle here for me, and to be here with you all in the heart of Manchester this Friday morning, at the end of a fairly big week, is just everything to me. It’s almost exactly 35 years since I left this city as a recently graduated young man who couldn’t find a job in the city."
"It was in a pretty bad place at that time, it’s fair to say, the 80s had turned into the 90s, there wasn’t much. That really is an experience that I’ve never forgotten, my generation of people growing up here. And it’s true of places all over the country to get on in life, you had to leave where you were, because things weren’t here."
First day at Number 10 North
Here are 10 pictures from the first day at Number 10 North... Armed police stand guard outside Heron House.
It was also a big day for this bride who turned up for her wedding day at the Heron House registry office only to be greeted by an armed guard.
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh arrives for work. The Prime Minister arrives in police convoy. Mr Burnham arrives at Number 10 North.
He told staff No 10 North was about 'putting power in every postcode'. The Prime Minister is greeted by staff on his arrival. A big welcome.
Mr Burnham defended the cost of opening No 10 North in Manchester, telling 'London-based' critics that it’s better to have 'a north pole that balances the south pole'.
Andy Burnham poses with First Secretary of State Louise Haigh and Chancellor John Healey in front of a replica Downing Street door.
