Andy Burnham’s flagship proposal to establish a northern base for the Prime Minister has run into an early logistical obstacle, with the government campus earmarked to host his proposed “No10 North” reportedly unlikely to open until 2032.
The delay raises practical questions over one of the central pledges underpinning the Labour leadership frontrunner’s devolution agenda, as he seeks to demonstrate that political power can be shifted away from Westminster and towards England’s regions.
Speaking during his first broadcast interview since Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation, the Makerfield MP said he intended to split his time between London and Manchester if he becomes Prime Minister, arguing that a permanent northern presence for Downing Street would help rebalance economic and political decision-making.
Mr Burnham pointed to plans for a new government digital campus close to Manchester Piccadilly station, describing it as the natural location for what he has branded “No10 North”.
“This is about extending the Downing Street operation,” he told LBC. “Creating a North Pole, if you like, so that the country can see that the power is more balanced.”
However, the proposed five-acre civil service complex remains at an early stage of development. Although Treasury approval has reportedly been secured, construction has yet to begin, with planning documents indicating the site is not expected to become operational until 2032.
The timeline creates an immediate political challenge for Mr Burnham’s wider constitutional programme. The next general election must be held before then, meaning his signature devolution project would be unlikely to become fully operational during the early years of a first administration.
The issue also highlights the distinction between political ambition and administrative delivery. While successive governments have championed initiatives designed to decentralise Whitehall—including the Northern Powerhouse, Levelling Up and civil service relocation programmes—implementation has often proved considerably slower than ministerial announcements.
Supporters argue that Mr Burnham’s proposal represents a broader constitutional shift rather than simply relocating offices, reflecting a commitment to embed central government decision-making closer to regional economies.
Critics, however, question whether the symbolism risks overtaking the substance if the infrastructure required to support the policy remains years away from completion.
The debate comes as Mr Burnham continues to shape the priorities of his expected leadership campaign. He has yet to announce key Cabinet appointments, including his choice of Chancellor, and has faced criticism for limiting detailed engagement with political journalists following his first major policy speech.
Mr Burnham has defended that approach, arguing he wants to move away from what he describes as Westminster’s political culture and focus instead on long-term reform.
Whether that message resonates may ultimately depend less on the rhetoric surrounding “No10 North” than on the Government’s ability to demonstrate that decentralisation can be delivered in practice rather than remaining an aspirational political concept.
With construction yet to begin and the proposed Manchester campus years from completion, Mr Burnham’s most recognisable policy proposal now faces an early test of credibility. The principle of devolving power may command broad support across the political spectrum, but investors, businesses and local leaders are likely to judge success on delivery timelines rather than political branding.
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