Britain's new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has shifted power from London to Manchester by establishing 'No. 10 North', a branch office in the city, according to the Associated Press. This move is part of his pledge to give local leaders more powers and spread economic growth around the country. The office, located about 165 miles from the prime minister's official London office and residence at 10 Downing St, will serve as a hub for Burnham's government.
The Manchester office, housed in a modern low-rise building, will be the flagship of Burnham's efforts to decentralize power and promote regional growth, as reported by the Associated Press. Burnham, who was previously the mayor of Greater Manchester, has stated that the office will be 'a North Pole that balances the South Pole' of Westminster politics in London. Critics have labeled the move as a gimmick, but it marks a significant departure from traditional British leadership.
This development is significant as it reflects Burnham's commitment to reforming the country's governance structure and addressing regional disparities, according to the Associated Press. The move is seen as an attempt to rebalance the country's economic and political power, which has traditionally been centered in London.