Regional mayors are set to take leading roles in UK economic policy under the revived National Economic Council (NEC), as part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's ambitious No 10 North plan. This initiative aims to decentralize power from London and drive growth from Manchester.
The Revival of the National Economic Council
The NEC, first established by Gordon Brown during the 2008 financial crisis, has been brought back to address the urgent need for economic growth. Burnham argues that the same level of collective action is required today to tackle regional inequalities. The council will bring together senior ministers and regional mayors to embed devolution at the heart of government policy.
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Andy Burnham's Vision for No 10 North
In a Guardian article, Burnham stated that "the era of fighting devolution is over" and that sharing power benefits everyone. No 10 North seeks to correct the concentration of decision-making in London by establishing a weekly government presence in Manchester. Burnham will chair the inaugural NEC meeting on Friday, signaling a shift toward regional empowerment.
Key Players and Their Roles
The new Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, led by Burnham's ally Louise Haigh, will oversee both No 10 North and the London operation. This structure aims to ensure cohesive policy execution across regions.
| Person | Role |
|---|---|
| Andy Burnham | Prime Minister, chairs NEC |
| Louise Haigh | Head of Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet |
| Regional Mayors | Key decision-makers in economic policy |
Comparison: Old vs. New Devolution Approach
| Aspect | Old Approach | New Approach (No 10 North) |
|---|---|---|
| Decision-making location | Centralized in London | Shared between London and Manchester |
| Role of mayors | Advisory | Leading roles in NEC |
| Urgency | Low | War footing for growth |
Key Takeaways
- Regional mayors will chair and co-lead the revived National Economic Council.
- No 10 North aims to drive economic growth from Manchester with weekly government operations.
- A new Prime Minister's department combines Cabinet Office, Treasury, and housing functions.
- Devolution is positioned as a non-negotiable principle for the Burnham government.
- Skeptics question whether the plan is more than tokenism; early results will be closely watched.
FAQ
What is the National Economic Council?
The NEC is a cross-government body originally set up during the 2008 financial crisis to coordinate economic policy. It has been revived to prioritize growth through devolution, with regional mayors playing a central role.
How does No 10 North change UK governance?
No 10 North establishes a permanent government base in Manchester, with the prime minister holding weekly meetings there. It shifts decision-making power to regional leaders, challenging London's historical dominance.
Will the plan face opposition from Whitehall?
Critics argue that the new Prime Minister's department may create tension with No 10 North's goals. However, Burnham insists that no one in government loses when power is shared, and the NEC will ensure alignment.
The success of No 10 North will depend on tangible outcomes in regional economic growth. By putting regional mayors in charge of policy decisions, the UK could see a historic rebalancing of power. Stay tuned to GrandGoldman for updates on this evolving story.
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