Caroline Simpson, the former chief executive of Stockport council who joined the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in 2024, is reportedly set to lead the 'Number 10 of the north'—a key part of Andy Burnham's plan to shift power from London to Manchester. Sources describe her as the ideal candidate to 'rewire' the British state.
From Stockport to the Corridors of Power
There is a saying in Stockport town hall that working at the council is a passport to the corridors of power in Manchester—a half-joke, as two recent chief executives, including the late Eamonn Boylan and Caroline Simpson, went on to lead the GMCA. Simpson oversaw the transformation of Stockport town centre into one of the country's best places to live and work before moving to the GMCA in 2024.
Councillor David Meller, who worked closely with Simpson in Stockport, praised her networking skills and outcome-driven attitude. 'What Caroline brings is that she's a fantastic networker, and she's very warm,' he said. 'She brings an attitude where she's really outcome driven, and I think that's why she's worked really well with Andy Burnham. She's all about delivery.'
A Career Built on Public Service
Simpson studied Japanese and business at John Moores University in Liverpool. After graduating, she applied for a job at the Granby Toxteth taskforce, a project connecting the business community with schools after the inner-city riots. 'That lit the fire in my belly about how connections in communities, particularly the voluntary sector and the business sector coming together for the good of a place,' she said on the We Built This City podcast.
She later worked in regeneration in the Black Country, Warrington, and Cheshire East before becoming Stockport council's economic growth director in 2016 and chief executive in 2021. She led a £1bn regeneration scheme through a mayoral development corporation (MDC) in partnership with Andy Burnham.
Key Role in the Bee Network and Good Growth Fund
At the GMCA, Simpson managed the day-to-day operation of the Bee Network, working closely with Burnham to bring buses under local control and cap single fares at £2. She also drove the Good Growth Fund, with the first £400m approved in late 2025 for 17 projects across Greater Manchester's ten boroughs.
Simpson described Burnham as 'brilliant to work with,' praising his 'energy' and 'ambition.' She emphasised the importance of 'good growth' ensuring prosperity reaches every part of the region. New data from Centre for Cities shows Manchester's economy grew by more than 34% between 2013 and 2023, outpacing Bristol, Leeds, and Newcastle.
Political Acumen and Consensus Building
Simpson led Stockport council during a decade of no overall political control until the Liberal Democrats won a majority in May 2026. Councillor Meller noted her ability to build consensus across political divides. 'She would drive a very hard bargain to deliver what's needed, and deliver it well,' he said. 'Do not underestimate her either, she has that record of delivery.'
Simpson's journey from Stockport to the GMCA and potentially to the 'Number 10 of the north' underscores a model of devolution that could be replicated across the UK under a Burnham government. As she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service, 'I am a proud public servant. I'm absolutely an advocate for a rewarding career in public service where you can end a very, very busy day genuinely knowing you've made an impact.'
