Andy Burnham begins work from new No 10 North office in Manchester
The Manchester mayor will use the northern Downing Street outpost on his first day in the role as ministers look to spread decision-making beyond London.
Andy Burnham is due to spend his first working day at the new No 10 North office in Manchester on Friday, as the government pushes ahead with plans to move more economic decision-making away from London. The move marks the opening use of the northern branch of Downing Street.
The prime minister is also expected to chair the first meeting of the national economic council, which is intended to help steer policy with a wider regional focus. According to government plans, the council will be part of a broader effort to rebalance power within the UK.
Several ministers are set to work regularly from the Manchester base, the BBC reported. The arrangement is being presented as part of a longer-term shift in how central government operates.
The development comes as ministers continue to face scrutiny over other policy decisions, including the early release scheme for prisoners in England and Wales that has been paused for review. A minister said that review could happen in the coming days and weeks.
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