Labour defends Burnham’s ‘No 10 North’ plans

Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell has defended Andy Burnham’s proposed ‘No 10 North’ initiative, describing it as a “very powerful reorganisation of government” that would shift power away from Whitehall to drive regional growth.

Burnham's leadership campaign has centred on devolution, with promises to move government departments to Manchester, grant regional leaders more authority over planning, transport, housing, and economic development, and establish a ‘No 10 North’ to direct policy outside London. Powell emphasized that the reforms would not impose a uniform model across England, allowing regions to develop economic strategies aligned with their specific industrial strengths, such as computing, advanced manufacturing, nuclear power, or shipbuilding.

Meanwhile, ministers are reportedly preparing to approve significant council reorganisations in approximately 16 areas, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Leicester, before the upcoming general election. Local government secretary Steve Reed stated these reforms are proceeding, viewing council reorganisation and devolution as interconnected steps to fulfil Burnham's pledge to reshape the British state. The proposed model involves replacing the current two-tier council system with larger unitary authorities and enhancing the powers of metro mayors.

These reforms are expected to become an early political test for a potential Burnham premiership. Over 18 million voters may participate in expanded council elections next May, offering an early indication of public support for Labour's devolution agenda. Jonathan Carr-West of the Local Government Information Unit suggested these elections could serve as a “proof of concept” for Burnham’s programme, though he cautioned that councils undergoing contentious reorganisations might face challenges in effectively implementing devolution.