Prime Minister Andy Burnham has officially opened No 10 North in Manchester, marking the start of operations at the government’s new regional headquarters.
The new office is intended to strengthen decision-making outside London and support the government’s wider plan to move political and economic power away from Whitehall.
Speaking alongside Chancellor John Healey, Burnham said the Manchester headquarters would play an important role in promoting economic growth and giving regions a stronger voice in national government.
No 10 North Brings Government Closer to Regions
Addressing civil servants at the new Manchester office, Burnham said No 10 North was designed to be more than another government building.
He described it as a centre for policy development, economic planning and regional decision-making.
The prime minister said the initiative demonstrated his government’s commitment to decentralising power and ensuring that communities across the UK could benefit from investment and economic opportunities.
John Healey Backs Manchester Government Hub
Chancellor John Healey joined Burnham at the launch, underlining the government’s focus on regional economic development.
Several senior ministers also attended meetings at No 10 North, including Angela Rayner, Pat McFadden, Jonathan Reynolds, Yvette Cooper, Angela Eagle, Heidi Alexander and Miatta Fahnbulleh.
The National Economic Council also held a meeting at the Manchester office, signalling its intended role in national economic policymaking.
Conservatives Criticise No 10 North
The initiative has faced criticism from the Conservative Party.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the Manchester office as a political gimmick and questioned whether moving civil servants outside London would actually improve government decision-making.
She also raised concerns about the potential cost of establishing another government headquarters.
Burnham rejected the criticism, arguing that regions have historically faced difficulties when dealing with central government and that No 10 North could help create a better balance between London and other parts of the country.
Manchester Set to Gain Greater Role in Government
The government plans to give Greater Manchester a larger role in coordinating policies linked to devolution, infrastructure and local economic growth.
Officials say No 10 North will also work with authorities and governments across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on wider regional development issues.
For now, the headquarters is operating from Heron House in central Manchester. A permanent government complex is being developed in Ancoats and is expected to open in 2032.
Government Expands Regional Growth Strategy
The launch forms part of a broader government programme aimed at relocating more civil servants away from London and strengthening regional economies.
Ministers say the strategy will improve infrastructure, speed up local decision-making and create closer links between central government and communities across the UK.
The opening of No 10 North in Manchester therefore represents a significant test of Burnham’s pledge to move power closer to the regions and reshape the relationship between Westminster and local government.
