Story perspectives

Burnham Unveils Manchester ‘Number 10 North’ Devolution Office

7/24/2026

Summary

Burnham Announces Devolution

On 29 June, PM-designate Andy Burnham announced a Manchester Downing Street office, Number 10 North, to shift power from Westminster.
Burnham, the first mayor-experienced prime minister, said devolution underpins his agenda.
He claimed previous leaders—from Boris Johnson to Keir Starmer—promised devolution but did not deliver it at scale.
Kemi Badenoch told GB News devolution is merely a process that does not fix problems, and the reforms will create new winners and losers.

Summary

Labour Devolution Gains

Labour MPs with mayoral seats average a 22.7% majority versus 12.8% elsewhere, raising caution over devolution.
Labour won the Forest of Dean by 278 votes and Sittingbourne and Sheppey by 355 votes.
Conservatives view devolution as a way to build rural and market-town bases.
Reform UK holds two mayoralties.
Polls show Reform and the Greens ahead of Conservatives in the Greater Manchester race to replace Burnham.

History

Historical Context

The 1960s rise in Scottish nationalism led Harold Wilson’s 1969 Kilbrandon Commission, whose 1973 report urged an elected assembly; after the 1979 referendum failed, 1989 Scottish Constitutional Convention drafted a plan adopted by Labour’s 1997 government. A 1997 referendum approved devolution, and Scotland Act 1998 created Scottish Parliament, meeting on 12 May 1999. Andy Burnham proposes a Manchester “Number 10 North” echoing model, while Kemi Badenoch warns of uneven outcomes.

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Burnham Announces Devolution

On 29 June, PM-designate Andy Burnham announced a Manchester Downing Street office, Number 10 North, to shift power from Westminster.
Burnham, the first mayor-experienced prime minister, said devolution underpins his agenda.
He claimed previous leaders—from Boris Johnson to Keir Starmer—promised devolution but did not deliver it at scale.
Kemi Badenoch told GB News devolution is merely a process that does not fix problems, and the reforms will create new winners and losers.

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