The UK's economic landscape is set for a seismic shift as Prime Minister Andy Burnham heralds a new era of decentralised power, with regional mayors taking centre stage in shaping the nation's economic policy. In a move that promises to rebalance the country's power dynamics, Mr Burnham declared that the time has come for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to decision-making, stating that "no one in government loses when power is shared." The launch of No 10 North in Manchester marks a significant departure from traditional Westminster-centric governance, with key ministers pledging to spend regular time at the new hub.
The revival of the National Economic Council (NEC), first established by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown during the 2008 financial crisis, is central to this policy shift. Mr Burnham, who will chair the NEC's inaugural meeting on Friday, aims to replicate the urgency and collective action that defined its initial formation in addressing the country's economic challenges. The council will bring together senior ministers, regional mayors, business leaders, trade unions, and other partners to drive growth and devolution efforts.
No 10 North, located in Heron House in Manchester city centre, serves as a physical manifestation of this new approach, consolidating local economic growth and devolution initiatives under one roof. This hub will foster a unified approach rather than competing strategies, with Mr Burnham expected to work from the office on a weekly basis, ensuring that critical decisions are no longer made exclusively within Westminster. Several senior ministers, including Education Secretary Lucy Powell and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner, both representing Greater Manchester constituencies, plan to spend time working from No 10 North alongside relocated teams of civil servants.
Complementing this policy shift is the establishment of a new Prime Minister's department, the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. This entity, led by Louise Haigh, aims to streamline economic decision-making and align it closely with the Treasury, ensuring that power is placed in the hands of those best equipped to use it for growth. The move has been largely welcomed, particularly by figures such as Dave Penman, General Secretary of the FDA union representing senior civil servants.