‘We are always ignored’: What the people of Manchester really think about Burnham’s ‘No 10 North’
The article reports strong local enthusiasm in Manchester for Andy Burnham’s new “No 10 North” office, which supporters see as a symbol of power moving away from London. Residents interviewed believe northern communities have long been overlooked and hope the outpost will give them a stronger voice in national decision-making.
A Manchester pub temporarily renamed itself “10 of the North” after social-media suggestions and says the publicity has boosted business. Burnham chaired his first regional meeting there on 24 July and has pledged to work from Manchester weekly, presenting the office as a route for devolving power to regions and nations; interviewees contrast this with what they view as previous governments’ poor connection with northern voters.
- Manchester residents welcome a northern Downing Street base.
- Supporters hope it will shift power beyond London.
- A local pub has benefited from the publicity.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that a regular prime ministerial presence in Manchester can make national government more attentive to regions that have often felt decisions are made from London with too little understanding of local realities. They see “No 10 North” as a practical signal of a wider commitment to devolution, helping ministers hear directly from northern communities and making power feel more accessible. The enthusiasm around it reflects a legitimate desire for greater regional voice, investment and respect.
The case against
Sceptics can reasonably argue that an additional office risks being more symbolic than substantive unless it is accompanied by real powers, funding and clear decision-making authority for local and regional institutions. They may question the cost and administrative duplication of operating a second base, and warn that concentrating attention on Manchester could leave other northern towns, as well as regions elsewhere in the UK, feeling overlooked. From this perspective, durable reform should strengthen democratic devolution across the country rather than rely on the visibility of a single political outpost.