Andy Burnham, newly elected as the Member of Parliament for Makerfield and a prominent figure in Labour's leadership hierarchy, has unveiled an audacious plan to establish a 'No 10 North' in Manchester. This proposal, designed to address long-standing regional economic imbalances and bring central government closer to the North of England, would see a significant portion of Whitehall operations relocated to create a two-centre government structure. The Prime Minister would divide their working week between London and Manchester under this initiative.
The chosen location for the northern hub is a former retail park in Ancoats, on the northern edge of Manchester city centre, which is being redeveloped into the Manchester Digital Campus. Approximately 8,800 civil servants from numerous government departments could be housed at this site by 2032, with any dedicated 'No 10' buildings potentially integrated without substantial additional costs beyond those sanctioned by the Treasury.
Supporters of the plan argue it would foster greater engagement between government and local leaders outside London. Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, expressed his support for the concept, drawing parallels with the Treasury's successful Darlington Economic Campus. Henri Murison, Chief Executive at the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, echoed this sentiment, stating that the initiative could help bridge the economic gap between Greater London and other major UK cities – an issue he believes has been neglected by the political establishment for too long.
However, establishing a two-centre government is not without considerable logistical and security implications. Dai Davies, a former head of royal protection and Metropolitan Police divisional commander, highlighted the extensive security measures that would be necessary for a 'Number 10A' in Manchester. He estimated that securing the site, including 24/7 protection, surveillance, potentially underground detection systems and a safe room, could cost taxpayers millions of pounds.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are aware of the evolving proposals and will collaborate with relevant departments to establish necessary security arrangements. The plan also raises questions regarding the Prime Minister's travel arrangements between the two centres, including whether an armoured vehicle would be required for journeys between Manchester and London, depending on the threat assessment.