Regional mayors will be given a formal role in UK economic policy through a revived National Economic Council, chaired by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The plan is central to his proposed “No 10 North” operation in Manchester, intended to shift decision-making away from Westminster and make devolution a core part of the government’s growth strategy.

Burnham said the council, originally created during the 2008 financial crisis, would bring senior ministers and mayors together with greater urgency around economic growth. No 10 North will operate initially from Heron House in central Manchester, with ministers including Louise Haigh, Lucy Powell and Angela Rayner expected to spend time there and civil servants potentially relocating; however, Burnham faces pressure to show the initiative has real authority rather than being symbolic.