Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester, has announced plans to establish a 'No 10 North' in Manchester if he becomes UK prime minister. The proposal, unveiled after his victory in the Makerfield byelection, aims to oversee a broad devolution of power and resources across the UK, maintaining his strong ties to the city.
Details of the Plan
Burnham has appointed Caroline Simpson, chief executive of the Greater Manchester combined authority, to lead the new 'No 10 North' office. Simpson will be tasked with implementing Burnham's vision of 'Manchesterism'—a policy approach that emphasizes regional empowerment and decentralization. The office is intended to coordinate devolution efforts and ensure that regions outside London have greater control over their affairs.
Public Engagement
Burnham is seeking public input on the plan, asking citizens to share their views on the initiative. Key questions include what issues the 'No 10 North' should tackle first, opinions on its Manchester focus, and any concerns about the plan. Responses can be submitted anonymously via a secure form, with data used solely for the feature and deleted afterward.
The plan has sparked debate about regional inequality and the effectiveness of devolution. Supporters argue it could bring decision-making closer to communities, while critics worry about potential conflicts with existing local governance structures.
