Andy Burnham’s new Downing Street outpost in Manchester
The incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has announced plans to establish a new Downing Street outpost in Manchester aimed at advancing his devolution agenda, reports BritPanorama.
Burnham intends to divide his time between this Manchester location and London, a strategy reminiscent of former President Donald Trump’s routine between the White House and Mar-a-Lago. This has sparked discussion among allies, with suggestions that international leaders may be invited to Manchester rather than London for visits.
An ally stated, “No10 North is going to be big. International prime ministers and presidents … will be invited to visit him in Manchester not in London. It will be like Donald Trump and Mar-a-Lago. No10 North will be Andy Burnham’s Mar-a-Lago. It will be quite radical.”
Another ally confirmed that Burnham will assume personal oversight of this new location, emphasizing that “Power is where the PM is.” Expected to be officially named Prime Minister soon, Burnham’s ascension follows a significant shift in Labour leadership, with MPs forcing Keir Starmer to resign.
With anticipation building, speculation surrounds Burnham’s upcoming Cabinet appointments. Ed Miliband is widely expected to be nominated for Chancellor, though some allies caution against his appointment due to past tensions during reshuffles.
A senior Labour source indicated a potential for conflict: “Ed Miliband has scuppered a Cabinet reshuffle before when he refused to leave the Net Zero brief when Keir Starmer tried to move him. He is the one who could give Andy Burnham a headache.” Burnham’s office confirmed his commitment to the No10 North initiative but refrained from further comments.
This development signifies a notable shift in Labour’s strategy under Burnham, potentially reshaping the party’s approach to governance in the UK.
The establishment of a new political hub in Manchester reflects a larger trend of regional empowerment and decentralization in British politics, raising questions about the implications for governance and regional relations moving forward.
