UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham appoints Caroline Simpson to economic growth office

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Caroline Simpson as Deputy Chief of Staff at Number 10 North, a new regional office designed to drive economic growth, regeneration, and devolution. Simpson previously served as the Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and held roles at Cheshire East Council. Her previous tenure at the council involved managing an economic and housing plan that was criticized by a government inspector for fundamental shortcomings and a mismatch between strategies, resulting in a costly revision process.

Concurrently, the UK's economic landscape faces transitions as prominent economist Jim O’Neill has declined a formal role in the government. O’Neill, a former Treasury minister, declined the position due to constraints regarding the use of blind trusts for his assets. While the loss of high-profile economic advisers presents a challenge for the administration, the UK maintains a fiscal headroom of £22.7bn. The government faces the task of demonstrating fiscal competence and attracting new economic talent to support long-term productivity and regional growth strategies.