Andy Burnham moves part of Number 10 North to Manchester, raising devolution questions

Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, announced that a segment of the UK government’s Downing Street operations will be relocated to the city later this year, marking the first major move of a central‑government function outside London. The transfer will involve a team of policy advisers and a liaison office that supports the Prime Minister’s agenda on transport, housing and regional development. Officials say the relocation aims to embed decision‑making closer to the north of England, improve inter‑regional coordination and signal a commitment to “levelling‑up” initiatives championed by the current administration.

The shift has prompted inquiries from the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, which are seeking clarification on how the move might affect existing devolution settlements. Both governments have requested meetings with the Treasury and the Office of the Prime Minister to assess whether the new Manchester hub will alter funding streams, legislative competencies or the balance of powers outlined in the Scotland Act 1998 and the Wales Act 2017. Westminster officials reiterated that the relocation does not intend to modify devolution arrangements, emphasizing that the Manchester office will operate within the same legal framework as its London counterpart. The discussions are expected to continue as the relocation timetable is finalised.