Andy Burnham to unveil radical plan to shift power from Westminster with 'No 10 in the North'

Andy Burnham will unveil plans for a No 10 in the North in what could be the biggest devolution of power and resources from Westminster in decades. In his first major policy speech since launching his bid to become Labour leader, the Makerfield MP will promise to break with business as usual by shifting decision-making out of Whitehall, giving regional leaders unprecedented control over housing, welfare, and skills.

The Manchester Evening News understands the proposals include creating a northern headquarters for Number 10. Any new building will not be completed until 2028, with an interim base used in the meantime. One option is the Manchester Digital Campus at the former Toys R Us site in Ancoats, which Chancellor Rachel Reeves approved in March. The site will see 8,800 civil servants based there, with an estimated 4,900 jobs created during construction.

Burnham will argue that regional leaders should take on greater responsibility for welfare, post-16 education, and other areas currently controlled by Whitehall. He believes richer parts of the country have been subsidising poorer areas without addressing underlying inequality. According to the Office for National Statistics, people in London pay an average of £24,400 in tax but receive £19,500 in spending on public services, while in the North West taxpayers contribute £12,700 but receive £17,300.

His vision includes the biggest council house building programme since the post-war era and a decade-long mission to raise living standards through reindustrialisation and infrastructure reform. Burnham will call for a new political culture focused on place before party and problem-solving before point-scoring.

Lord O'Neill of Gatley, advising Burnham on economic plans, described the proposals as "a quiet political revolution." He told LBC Radio that allowing regions to keep more additional taxes generated when attracting development "will be game-changing."

Caroline Simpson, chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, has been selected to head up the No 10 North operations. Burnham is expected to become Prime Minister on July 20 if no rival emerges to challenge him for the Labour leadership.