The United Kingdom has opened a new government hub known as No 10 North in Manchester, aiming to shift key economic decision-making away from London and grant regional mayors a more prominent role in national policy.
The initiative centres on the revival of the national economic council (NEC), a body first established by former prime minister Gordon Brown to coordinate government action during the 2008 financial crash. Officials argue that the current push for economic growth demands a similar level of urgency, focus and collective decision-making.
Andy Burnham, a leading figure in the drive to devolve power, framed the launch as a turning point for how Britain governs itself. “No one in government loses when power is shared,” he said, describing the move as “the biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen.”
The inaugural meeting of the revived council was chaired at Heron House in Manchester, the building now serving as the base for the northern operation. Regional mayors are expected to take seats at the table alongside central government, giving devolved leaders a direct channel into economic strategy.
Supporters present the project as an engine for growth intended to benefit the whole of the UK rather than a single region, arguing that concentrating economic power in the capital has left large parts of the country underserved.
The plan has nonetheless raised questions in Scotland and Wales, where devolved administrations are weighing what a Manchester-based extension of Downing Street means for the broader devolution settlement. Critics note that relocating part of the government’s machinery changes the postcode of decision-making without necessarily altering the underlying distribution of power between London and the nations.
The debate touches on long-running tensions over how far authority should flow to regional and national governments across the UK. It also comes as the new administration seeks to demonstrate momentum on economic policy at a time of subdued growth.
Burnham’s involvement has drawn particular attention, given his profile as a regional leader now positioned close to the heart of national economic planning. His remarks framing shared power as a benefit to all levels of government signal an attempt to ease concerns among established institutions about ceding influence.
The success of No 10 North will ultimately hinge on whether the new council can translate symbolic relocation into tangible policy outcomes. As the first meetings get under way, mayors, devolved governments and Whitehall will be watching to see whether the initiative delivers a genuine redistribution of decision-making or largely a change of address.