Andy Burnham pushes for a No. 10 North office in Manchester

Current UK political leaders, including Labour’s Andy Burnham, are proposing a “No. 10 North” hub in Manchester to handle long‑term economic strategy and English devolution while keeping core Downing Street functions in London. The plan calls for a strategic team outside the capital to set vision for the government, but analysts warn that duplicating advisory roles could create deadlock and that essential daily political, policy and communications support must remain in London.

The City of London Corporation, which represents the UK’s financial sector, says it will work with the next prime minister—likely Burnham—to drive growth. It highlights that the sector provides 2.5 million jobs and accounts for about 12 % of UK tax receipts, and outlines initiatives on skills pathways, financial education and household savings to boost resilience and investment.

Together, the proposals aim to balance regional power‑sharing with the preservation of the central government’s ceremonial and coordination role, while leveraging the financial services industry to support economic recovery and long‑term growth.