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Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham creates a new power hub in Manchester
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has established "No. 10 North," a government office in Manchester, aiming to decentralize power from London and promote regional economic growth across the UK.
- Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, seeks to replicate the city's business-friendly socialist model, "Manchesterism," by giving local leaders more control over housing, transport, training, and public services.
- The government announced that mayors will retain a larger share of local income and business tax revenues, marking the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, though funding details remain unclear.
- Supporters praise No. 10 North for bringing government closer to local communities and fostering diverse voices in policymaking, while critics caution that benefits have not reached all surrounding areas and call for broader regional inclusion.
- The initiative faces challenges convincing other northern cities that the Manchester office represents their interests, with calls for additional regional offices to ensure nationwide impact beyond Manchester.
