Andy Burnham has announced plans for a new No 10 North office in Manchester, intended to give regional mayors a greater role in national policymaking and accelerate devolution. He said the initiative would help shift power and resources away from Whitehall, supporting regeneration, housebuilding, transport infrastructure, reindustrialisation and economic growth across the UK.

Burnham plans to work from Heron House near Albert Square once a week, beginning by chairing the National Economic Council; meetings may include mayors, ministers, business leaders and trade union representatives depending on the agenda. Responding to concerns that the North would receive disproportionate attention, he said the aim was to benefit communities nationwide, including in the East of England and South West, while No 10 Downing Street would continue operating normally.