Prime Minister Andy Burnham celebrated the opening of a temporary 'No10 North' office in Manchester, a move he described as "the best day of my life" and a significant step in devolving power from Westminster. The initiative aims to symbolize a commitment to regional development and accessibility.
Burnham, who has family in Manchester and previously served as its mayor, emphasized the symbolic importance of establishing a Downing Street presence outside the capital. "I think this might be the best day of my life," he stated to staff, reflecting on his personal connection to the city and his past experiences of needing to leave Manchester to find employment. He highlighted the project as an example of "putting power in every postcode so that people can turn things around for themselves and make changes just as this great city has done and the other English cities are doing through devolution."
The Prime Minister traveled to Manchester via a 38-minute flight on a government jet from Scotland, where he had attended the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. He defended the cost of the initiative, including the travel, by questioning the expense of constant travel to London for meetings. "What does it cost for everybody to troop down to London every time there's a meeting when you need to make an argument about something?" he asked.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the financial implications for taxpayers. The temporary office is currently situated in Heron House, a government building that also houses GCHQ, a pub, and a register office. Security at the location has been significantly enhanced, with armed police officers visible on duty. The Daily Mail reported that while Downing Street insists there will be no additional costs to the taxpayer and that the running of No10 North will be covered by existing Cabinet Office budgets, experts have warned that fortifying an office and providing round-the-clock armed police could incur substantial expenses.
A permanent site for 'No10 North' is planned, envisioned as a civil service 'digital campus' on a five-acre plot acquired in 2017. The Treasury approved the outline case for this development in March of the current year. Construction is slated to begin in the coming years, with the target for the permanent facility to become operational in 2032. This timeline places its completion three years after the earliest possible date for the next general election.
Burnham was pictured with Cabinet Office minister Louise Haigh, Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo, and Chancellor John Healey at the Manchester office. During his visit, a bridal party was observed entering the same building.