On his inaugural day at the new government hub in Manchester, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham staunchly supported the establishment of No 10 North, heralding it as a significant shift in power dynamics away from London. Burnham articulated that the new office signals “the biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen,” and countered criticisms regarding its expense by asserting that it is a crucial step toward crafting “a more balanced country” where pivotal national decisions can originate beyond the confines of the capital.
During a session with the National Economic Council, Burnham expressed that this day marked “the best day of my life,” though he humorously conceded that his wife might have a different opinion. Addressing regional mayors, the prime minister emphasized that No 10 North aims to collaborate closely with local authorities to stimulate economic growth across the nation. This initiative is designed to unify central government and regional entities into “one team,” thereby eliminating the complexities local leaders face when dealing with multiple government departments.
In related political developments, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner acknowledged the challenges of meeting the government’s ambitious target of constructing 1.5 million homes during this parliamentary term. However, she maintained that the goal would not be forsaken. Rayner also dismissed the possibility of implementing rent controls, noting that recent reforms in renters’ rights were already exerting an impact on the housing market.
Meanwhile, the Scottish National Party (SNP) has criticized the government’s recent cost-of-living interventions, which include initiatives like reduced bus fares, lowered VAT on electricity bills, and business rate relief for pubs and clubs, arguing they fall short of effectively aiding households. Moreover, ministers have indicated that an evaluation of the government’s early prisoner release scheme is anticipated in the upcoming weeks.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called upon Prime Minister Burnham to adopt a firmer stance against US President Donald Trump. This follows the United States’ imposition of new tariffs on imports from over 80 countries. Davey characterized Trump as “a bully and an unreliable ally.” The establishment of No 10 North is intended to reflect the government’s broader strategy of decentralizing decision-making and fostering economic development across various regions of the UK.