Andy Burnham's new No 10 North office in Manchester is designed as an antidote to its London counterpart, featuring a Larry the cat cardboard cutout, framed Stanley Chow portraits, and a view of Manchester Town Hall. Politics Writer Iram Ramzan visited the new operation and couldn't resist getting a picture in front of the replica 10 Downing Street door.
Inside the Prime Minister's Manchester base
The baked potatoes at No 10 North remain at a piping 100 degrees, served from a King Edward oven that provides an unpretentious lunch. The office is one of several features at Burnham's new project that will either impress or irritate, depending on tolerance for Northern humility.
During her visit, Iram was escorted into the Prime Minister's office at Heron House, where she spotted a copy of 'There's gonna be a show' by the Everton-supporting comedian Jimmy Mulville. She also noted a wingback chair covered in the worker-bee symbol, gifted to Burnham when he left the mayor's office earlier this summer.
Devolution agenda and Whitehall secondments
No 10 North is part of a radical devolution agenda the Prime Minister hopes will 'rewire the state' and take power away from Whitehall. On the day of Iram's visit, Burnham announced that Whitehall officials will be posted into mayors' offices on secondments lasting from six to nine months.
Burnham insists all this is not a gimmick. "It doesn't diminish the importance of Downing Street," he says. "It's where the country has always been run from. That will always be the case. But it's about bringing what happens there a bit closer to people."
Staff and setup
Among the No 10 North staff Iram spoke to was a tea lady offering hot drinks and biscuits from a trolley, including M&S's Dutch Shortcakes. She has been seconded to Manchester from Downing Street for a few days each week while someone is hired on a permanent basis. "The set-up time was quick," she said.
No 10 North was reportedly assembled in June, with many close to Burnham not even aware of it. Director general Sam Lister was reportedly appointed only on the Friday before Heron House opened to staff on Monday, July 20.
During a meeting with regional mayors and ministers, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner joked about 'dad dancing' before Burnham reminded her the press were listening.
