On his inaugural day at the newly established No 10 North in Manchester, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasized the significance of the new government hub as a pivotal move toward decentralizing power from London. Burnham hailed the creation of this office as “the biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen,” countering criticisms regarding its cost by asserting that it will contribute to a more equitable distribution of decision-making across the nation. During a meeting with the National Economic Council, he remarked on the momentous nature of the day, humorously adding that his wife might have a different perspective on its importance.
Burnham assured regional mayors that No 10 North would collaborate closely with local leaders to spur economic growth throughout the country. The prime minister’s vision includes establishing a cohesive partnership between central government and regional authorities, aiming to create a unified team rather than subjecting local leaders to the complexities of navigating numerous government departments.
In other political developments, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner acknowledged the challenges in achieving the government’s goal of constructing 1.5 million homes during the current Parliament. Despite these challenges, she affirmed the administration’s commitment to pursuing this target. Rayner also dismissed the idea of implementing rent controls, noting that recent renters’ rights reforms are already exerting an impact on the housing market.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) voiced criticism, arguing that the government’s recently announced cost-of-living measures, which include reduced bus fares, lower VAT on electricity bills, and business rate relief for pubs and clubs, are insufficient to adequately support households. Meanwhile, ministers indicated that a review of the government’s early prisoner release scheme is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called on Burnham to adopt a stronger position against US President Donald Trump following the United States’ imposition of new tariffs on imports from over 80 countries. Davey described Trump as “a bully and an unreliable ally.” The establishment of No 10 North is intended to symbolize the government’s broader strategy of decentralizing decision-making and fostering economic development across the UK’s regions.