Andy Burnham, widely expected to become the next Prime Minister, has reportedly chosen Caroline Simpson, the current Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), for a pivotal role in his prospective government. Simpson is understood to be appointed as his Deputy Chief of Staff, tasked with leading the new 'No 10 North' office, an initiative central to Burnham's vision for a radically devolved Britain.
The Guardian reports that Simpson, who has a history of working closely with Burnham during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, would be based in Manchester. Her remit would involve overseeing the extensive devolution of power and resources across the entire United Kingdom, a policy Burnham believes is crucial for transforming the country's economic landscape. She is anticipated to collaborate with Cabinet Ministers and senior civil servants in Whitehall, as well as engaging with devolved administrations and nations to foster economic growth nationwide.
This appointment follows Burnham's earlier selection of James Purnell, a former colleague from the Blair era, as his Chief of Staff, as he continues to assemble his potential government team. Simpson's career has been exclusively within the public sector, primarily in the North West of England, encompassing roles in local government, housing, and regional development agencies. She assumed the Chief Executive position at GMCA in June 2024.
In a recent speech delivered in Manchester, Burnham confirmed his intention to establish No 10 North, describing it as the "nerve centre of a rewired Britain." He argued that the existing Westminster system is "broken" and requires a fundamental shift in power distribution to truly revitalise the nation. The proposed office would have three core objectives for devolution: enhancing public ownership of essential utilities like water, energy, and housing; driving the re-industrialisation of various regions across the country; and spearheading the regeneration of towns, with a specific focus on areas that have historically been left behind.
The creation of No 10 North and the appointment of a dedicated leader like Simpson underscore Burnham's commitment to his devolution agenda. This strategy aims to address regional inequalities and empower local communities, marking a significant departure from the centralised governance model that has long characterised UK politics. Further details regarding the structure and operational scope of No 10 North are expected to be announced in due course.