Plans by Andy Burnham to establish a "No10 in the North" could present substantial security challenges and incur tens of millions of pounds in annual costs, according to a security expert. The proposal aims to decentralize power from Westminster, with Burnham, a prominent figure often dubbed "King of the North," expected to outline his devolution plans further.
Philip Grindell, a former detective who previously advised Parliament on security measures following the killing of MP Jo Cox, stated that any such northern base would need to replicate the stringent security arrangements currently in place for Downing Street. This would involve a secure, gated location with bomb-proof infrastructure, scanning stations, and round-the-clock armed police presence.
"It's not clear this is a very thought-through idea from Andy Burnham," Grindell, who now leads the security firm Defuse Global, commented. He noted that a regularly used base by the Prime Minister in Manchester would likely necessitate duplicating the security regime of the actual Downing Street. "We are talking tens of millions of pounds of costs every year," he added, explaining that the premises would need to be equipped to counter a wide range of potential attack methods.
Beyond the financial aspects, questions arise regarding the oversight of the Prime Minister's protection between the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police. Logistical hurdles, including secure communications, the functioning of emergency committees like Cobra, and the physical distance from Whitehall for urgent discussions, are also significant considerations.
The Prime Minister currently utilizes the Chequers country estate in Buckinghamshire. Burnham's vision for a northern base is seen as a symbol of his commitment to decentralization, drawing parallels to former Chancellor Rishi Sunak's decision to establish a new Treasury hub in Darlington. Burnham has been a vocal critic of power concentration in London, having previously stated that voters have "a problem with an out-of-touch elite."
Burnham is positioned to potentially become Prime Minister as soon as July 17, as he appears to be the sole leadership candidate nominated by Labour MPs following Keir Starmer's resignation. Unless another contender emerges, his takeover is scheduled for that date when nominations close.