Prime Minister Andy Burnham officially launched No 10 North in Manchester, marking the first day of operations for the government’s new regional headquarters designed to strengthen decision-making outside London.
_x000D_Speaking alongside Chancellor John Healey, Burnham said the new office represents a major step towards delivering economic growth and shifting political power from Whitehall to every region of the United Kingdom.
_x000D_ _x000D_No 10 North Aims to Bring Government Closer to the Regions
_x000D_Addressing civil servants gathered at the Manchester office, Burnham described No 10 North as more than just another government building.
_x000D_He said the new headquarters would become a centre for policy development, economic planning and regional decision-making.
_x000D_According to Burnham, the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to decentralising power and ensuring that every part of the UK benefits from future investment and growth.
_x000D_ _x000D_Chancellor John Healey Supports New Regional Government Hub
_x000D_Chancellor John Healey joined Burnham during the launch, reinforcing the government’s commitment to regional development.
_x000D_Several senior cabinet ministers also attended meetings at the new office, including:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Angela Rayner _x000D_
- Pat McFadden _x000D_
- Jonathan Reynolds _x000D_
- Yvette Cooper _x000D_
- Angela Eagle _x000D_
- Heidi Alexander _x000D_
- Miatta Fahnbulleh _x000D_
The National Economic Council also met at No 10 North, highlighting the office’s growing importance within government.
_x000D_ _x000D_Conservatives Criticise No 10 North Initiative
_x000D_Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed the Manchester office as a political gimmick, questioning whether relocating civil servants would improve government decision-making.
_x000D_She argued that creating another government office outside London could increase costs without delivering meaningful reform.
_x000D_Burnham rejected those criticisms, saying regional governments had long faced unnecessary challenges dealing with central government and that No 10 North would create a better balance between London and the rest of the country.
_x000D_ _x000D_Greater Manchester to Play Bigger Role in National Policy
_x000D_Strategic responsibilities for devolution and local economic growth will increasingly be coordinated through No 10 North rather than remaining solely within Whitehall departments.
_x000D_Government officials say the Manchester office will serve not only north-west England but also work alongside Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on regional development initiatives.
_x000D_The office is currently operating from Heron House in central Manchester while a permanent government complex is being constructed in Ancoats, expected to open in 2032.
_x000D_ _x000D_Government Pushes Ahead with Regional Growth Strategy
_x000D_The opening of No 10 North forms part of the government’s wider programme to relocate more civil servants outside London and strengthen regional economies.
_x000D_Officials say the initiative supports long-term plans to improve infrastructure, speed up local decision-making and create stronger links between central government and communities across the UK.
