Burnham's plan for a 'Number 10 in the north'
Andy Burnham is planning to relocate some of his prime ministerial operations to Manchester, establishing a “Number 10 in the north” if he becomes prime minister as anticipated, according to reports. The former mayor of Manchester will outline plans for devolution of power on Monday, the Financial Times reported.
Long-time critic of Westminster-centric politics
Mr Burnham, often referred to as the King of the North, has long criticized the country's Westminster-centric political system. The newly-elected MP, who served as mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 until winning the Makerfield by-election last week, reportedly informed staff that he expects to spend considerable time in the city even if he assumes the role of prime minister.
Previous proposals for moving parliamentary functions
In 2020, then prime minister Boris Johnson urged Parliamentary authorities to consider moving the House of Lords out of London while the Palace of Westminster undergoes renovations. York was suggested as a potential location, but the proposal was rejected by the body responsible for the decision.
Senior minister urges clarity on economic policies
Earlier on Wednesday, senior minister Darren Jones urged Mr Burnham to provide more details on his economic policies after ruling himself out of the Labour leadership race. Jones stated that Mr Burnham should clarify his plans for the “upwards of 100 MPs” who were either concerned about his proposals or “feeling pretty depressed” following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation. Jones also appeared to caution Mr Burnham against appointing Ed Miliband as chancellor, declining to endorse the current Energy Secretary while setting out a series of “tests” for the next occupant of Number 11.
Path to Number 10 clears as few challengers emerge
Mr Jones’s decision to withdraw from the leadership contest removes another obstacle on Mr Burnham’s path to Number 10, with few other MPs being considered as potential challengers. Former armed forces minister Al Carns, who resigned earlier this month over a dispute regarding defence spending, remains a possible contender, urging Mr Burnham to present a policy platform he can support. If no other candidate secures the 81 nominations required to appear on the Labour leadership ballot, Mr Burnham is expected to enter Downing Street by July 18, making him Britain’s fifth prime minister in four years.
