Full Breakdown
Government Weighs Relocating Downing Street Staff Amid Workspace Concerns
By Drooid · · How we work
Discussion of Potential Relocation from Number 10
Senior figures within Sir Keir Starmer’s administration have confirmed that early-stage talks took place about moving staff out of the historic Downing Street complex. The idea centred on locating officials in an open-plan area within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a short distance from the current premises. Sources stress that discussions remained preliminary and it is unclear whether the prime minister himself was consulted. No indication has been given that the prime minister would cease residing at Number 10 should the plan advance.
Historical Layout and Past Concerns
Number 10 Downing Street, an amalgamation of three houses dating back to 1732, contains more than 100 rooms spread over several levels. Officials from successive governments have privately complained that the “rabbit-warren-like” layout hampers collaboration, with tiny, disconnected meeting rooms cited as a recurring obstacle to efficient work.
Official Statements & Responses
James Lyons, who served as the prime minister’s director of communications from October 2024 to September 2025, reiterated that “moving out was something that was discussed when I was in 10 Downing Street.” Darren Jones, former chief secretary to the Treasury, told MPs that he had attempted to abolish the Cabinet Office three times, proposing instead a single integrated department to remove “barriers and walls.” In the early days after Sir Keir’s succession, Andy Burnham established the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, overseen by senior civil servant Dame Antonia Romeo, to centralise strategic priorities across Number 10, Number 10 North and related units.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Lyons added: "Moving out was something that was discussed when I was in 10 Downing Street.” — James Lyons, who served as Sir Keir's director of communications
Potential Impact on Government Operations
If the open-plan FCDO space were adopted, the move could address longstanding complaints about fragmented work environments and foster greater inter-departmental collaboration. However, officials note that the proposal has not progressed beyond initial consideration, and the prime minister’s residential arrangements appear unaffected. The discussion reflects broader frustration within the Starmer government over perceived inertia in Whitehall’s capacity to implement structural reforms.