Senior government ministers are preparing for regular duties at No 10 North, the new Downing Street branch located in Manchester. Louise Haigh, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and overseer of No 10 North, alongside Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and Education Secretary Lucy Powell, are all planning to work from the northern hub. This move signals a significant shift in government operations, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham himself intending to spend at least one day a week there, expected to commence in the coming days.
The establishment of No 10 North is a key initiative for Prime Minister Burnham, who has described it as the "dominant driver of the UK's economy." Currently operating from Heron House in Manchester city centre while a brownfield site undergoes redevelopment, the new office is envisioned as a substantial government presence outside the capital. A blueprint by the think tank Re:State recommends a rapid expansion, suggesting a workforce of as many as 300 staff within the next 18 months to ensure its long-term viability and impact.
The relocation efforts are already underway, with several key appointments from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) moving across. Kevin Lee, director of the Prime Minister's mayoral office, is set to join No 10 North following next week's Greater Manchester mayoral election. He is among at least seven GMCA employees, including four senior managers, already recruited. Caroline Simpson, GMCA chief executive, is transitioning to become Downing Street deputy chief of staff based at No 10 North, with Directors John Wrathmell and Claire Norman also making the move.
However, the ambitious plans have not been without their challenges and concerns. Some London-based civil servants have voiced uncertainty regarding the details of the relocation, with many specifics still to be announced in the weeks ahead. Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union representing senior civil servants, welcomed the structural changes but highlighted the significant decision staff face, particularly regarding house price disparities and the permanence of the reorganisation.
Prime Minister Burnham has sought to reassure both critics and civil servants that No 10 North is not merely a "gimmick," but a serious commitment to making a lasting difference. Dr Simon Kaye, author of the Re:State report, emphasised the need for No 10 North to achieve a "critical mass of people" and establish a "genuine sense of shared purpose" to ensure it can persist beyond the current administration, regardless of who holds the prime ministership. The initiative aims to leverage and create opportunities for talent across the UK, challenging the traditional London-centric model of government.