UK PM Burnham back in Manchester to kickstart English ‘devolution’

AFP | London

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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham formally opened his newly created northern office yesterday, promising “a different way of running Britain” as he bids to reverse decades of centralising power over England in London.

Unveiling No 10 North in the northwestern city of Manchester, Burnham -- who replaced Keir Starmer as premier on Monday -- pledged power would “flow” away from London’s Whitehall governing district to spur economic growth.

“It’s not just a new office,” he told staff at the city centre site, flanked by senior officials including new finance minister John Healey.

“This is the place where Whitehall meets the rest of the country.”

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaks to staff members during a visit to officially open No10 North in Manchester

The former Greater Manchester mayor says the thriving city-region -- which has outscored Britain’s national performance in various areas, including economic growth -- provides a model for other parts of the country.