Andy Burnham Plans Manchester Base if Named Labour Leader

Andy Burnham plans to spend part of each working week in Manchester if he becomes prime minister, the BBC has been told. He intends to establish a new No 10 North unit in the city and divide his time between Downing Street and the North West. In a speech on Monday, Burnham said the unit would oversee the largest shift of power from central government to English regions in housing, transport, and economic decisions.

He stated that the political direction he sets would not be open to negotiation. Burnham announced his leadership bid last Monday after winning the Makerfield seat. If he remains the only candidate, he could become prime minister as early as 20 July.

Past prime ministers have spent time outside London.

Harold Wilson lived at Lord North Street during his second term from 1974 to 1976. The last prime minister not to live in Downing Street at all was Lord Salisbury at the end of the 19th century. Burnham's allies say his arrangement would differ from past practice by making Manchester a formal base rather than an occasional location.