Regional mayors are to be given a leading role in the UK’s economic policy, marking a historic devolution of power from London. The revival of the National Economic Council (NEC) under the new prime minister signals that economic growth demands the same urgency as the 2008 financial crash response.
What is No 10 North and Why Does It Matter?
The prime minister has promised to end the “era of fighting devolution,” and No 10 North – a weekly government operation based in Manchester – is the centerpiece. Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, will chair the inaugural NEC meeting, bringing together senior ministers and regional leaders to put devolution at the heart of policy.
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Key Changes in Decision-Making Power
Burnham wrote in The Guardian: “Even though Whitehall departments have set up outposts, decision-making power has remained in London.” No 10 North aims to correct this by driving growth from the most powerful office in the land, in close alignment with the Treasury, placing power in the hands of those who can use it best.
Comparison: Old vs. New Governance Structure
| Aspect | Previous Model | No 10 North Model |
|---|---|---|
| Decision-making hub | London-centric | Manchester (No 10 North) + London |
| Economic council | Dormant since 2008 | Revived NEC, chaired by regional mayor |
| Cabinet oversight | PM department in London | Office for the PM and Cabinet (dual location) |
| Devolution approach | Fragmented | Integrated – “no one loses when power is shared” |
Key Takeaways from the Devolution Announcement
- Regional mayors will co-chair the National Economic Council alongside Treasury officials.
- The new Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet will oversee both No 10 North and No 10 London.
- Critics warn the move must be substantive, not tokenistic – the new PM faces pressure to deliver real change.
- The prime minister’s department absorbs parts of the Cabinet Office, Treasury and housing ministry, becoming the “dominant driver of the UK’s economy”.
- Andy Burnham’s leadership of the first NEC meeting signals that devolved mayors will have unprecedented influence on national economic policy.
FAQ
What is No 10 North?
No 10 North is the UK prime minister’s plan to run the government on a weekly basis from Manchester, moving decision-making out of London to rebalance power across the country.
Why are regional mayors being given a key role in economic policy?
Regional mayors like Andy Burnham are being empowered to chair the National Economic Council to ensure local leaders drive growth and that policy reflects regional needs, not just Whitehall priorities.
Is this move purely symbolic?
While the government insists it is a genuine rebalancing, critics will watch closely to see if No 10 North transfers real budget control and legislative power, or remains a symbolic outpost.
Who will oversee No 10 North?
Louise Haigh, the prime minister’s ally and enforcer, will lead the new Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, which will manage both No 10 North in Manchester and the London operation.
This historic shift in UK governance could redefine how economic policy is made. As the first council meeting gets underway, all eyes are on Manchester to see whether No 10 North becomes a lasting fixture or a fleeting experiment.
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