Burnham Launches ‘No 10 North’ To Decentralize UK Power From London

Andy Burnham announced on June 29, 2026, the creation of “No 10 North” in Manchester to lead what he described as the UK’s “biggest” decentralisation of power. The initiative focuses on a 10-year mission to raise living standards by shifting authority from London to regional governments, according to reports from the BBC and the Financial Times.

Burnham detailed these plans during a major policy speech, where he confirmed the establishment of the Manchester-based hub. The “No 10 North” designation mirrors the address of the British Prime Minister’s official residence and office in London, signaling a shift in how regional power is structured and exercised, according to The Guardian.

The proposal aims to dismantle traditional centralized governance. Burnham stated his intent to “rip up politics as usual,” a move Reuters characterized as a challenge to the established political order. The Reuters report further identified Burnham as the “prime minister-in-waiting,” suggesting the policy shift serves as a blueprint for potential national leadership.

The Financial Times reported that the core of this strategy is a “10-year mission” specifically designed to improve living standards across the regions. This long-term framework intends to replace short-term political cycles with sustained regional investment and autonomy.

The decentralisation plan focuses on several key pillars of regional authority:

• The transfer of decision-making power from Whitehall to regional mayors.
• The creation of localized hubs for policy implementation, led by “No 10 North.”
• A decade-long commitment to economic metrics tied to living standards.
• The reduction of London’s dominance over national infrastructure and funding allocations.

The different news organizations framed the announcement through varying lenses. While the BBC and The Guardian focused on the structural changes to regional governance and the specific creation of the Manchester hub, the Financial Times emphasized the economic objectives and the timeframe for raising living standards. Reuters focused on the political implications, framing the move as a disruption of the status quo.

This move follows years of tension between the North of England and the central government in London over the “levelling up” agenda. By establishing a regional equivalent to the Prime Minister’s office, Burnham is attempting to institutionalize regional power rather than relying on discretionary grants from the central government.

The “No 10 North” concept seeks to create a direct counterweight to the influence of the Cabinet Office and the Treasury. According to the BBC, this involves devolving specific powers that have historically remained under the control of central government ministers.

Burnham’s strategy contrasts with previous devolution efforts, which often provided limited powers over specific sectors like transport or health. The current proposal suggests a broader, systemic shift in how the UK is governed, moving toward a more federalized structure where regions possess inherent authority over their economic trajectories.

The 10-year mission outlined in the Financial Times report suggests that success will be measured by concrete improvements in living standards. This approach shifts the focus from the announcement of funding—a common feature of central government politics—to the long-term delivery of economic outcomes.

The announcement on June 29, 2026, places Manchester at the center of this political experiment. If the “No 10 North” model succeeds, it could provide a template for other regional cities to demand similar autonomy and structural parity with the central government in London.