Regional mayors are set to play a pivotal role in United Kingdom policymaking as part of new plans for No 10 North, an initiative aimed at rebalancing power away from Westminster, according to Andy Burnham. The Prime Minister has declared the era of Whitehall resisting devolution to be "over for good."
For context, the concept of devolution in the UK refers to the transfer of power from the central government in Westminster to regional or local administrations. This move by the current government seeks to formalise and amplify the influence of these regional bodies on a national scale.
No 10 North Office Opens in Manchester
The new No 10 North office, located in Heron House near Albert Square, is set to become a key operational hub. The Prime Minister will work from this Manchester outpost once a week during his premiership. The building also houses the GCHQ's Manchester and North West hub.
During his initial engagements at No 10 North, the Prime Minister will chair meetings of the National Economic Council. This cabinet committee, established in 2008, addresses economic challenges. Attendees for these meetings will vary based on the agenda, potentially including regional mayors, senior ministers, prominent business leaders, and trade union representatives.
Accelerating Devolution and Reindustrialisation
Mr. Burnham articulated his vision in an article for The Guardian, stating that No 10 North would be his government’s "most defining" act. He believes the office will be responsible for accelerating devolution, driving reindustrialisation and growth across the entire UK, and removing barriers to regeneration in areas such as council housebuilding and public transport infrastructure.
The Prime Minister has contended that for four decades, power and resources have been "sucked into the centre," leaving communities feeling "forgotten." He asserts that No 10 North will rectify this by distributing more power to local levels, enabling communities to implement change and fostering a new era of governance where power resides beyond Westminster.
Addressing Concerns of Wider Regional Impact
Concerns have been raised about whether the focus on the North might inadvertently divert attention from other regions. Addressing these concerns, the Prime Minister clarified that the objective of No 10 North is to empower every postcode in the country, including areas such as the East of England. He emphasised that the challenges faced by communities feeling overlooked are prevalent across the entire nation.
While the establishment of No 10 North signifies a considerable shift, the primary seat of government at No 10 Downing Street in London will continue its regular operations.
