Labour MP Eyes Northern Base for Downing Street Operations

A Labour MP who recently returned to Parliament plans to move parts of a Downing Street operation to Manchester if he becomes prime minister. The move would create what reports describe as a "No 10 in the north." The MP won a by-election last week to represent Makerfield in Greater Manchester. He has told staff he expects to spend significant time in the city if he takes office.

Jones, an ally of the outgoing prime minister, ruled himself out of the contest on Wednesday. His withdrawal leaves one other MP mentioned as a possible challenger. The former armed forces minister who resigned earlier this month has not ruled out standing but would need 81 nominations from Labour MPs to appear on the ballot.

The MP is scheduled to outline plans for devolving power in a speech on Monday. He has said policies would be judged by a "Makerfield test" measuring their impact on his constituents. The outgoing prime minister will remain an MP after stepping down. Downing Street declined to say whether resignation honours would be issued.