Burnham pushes Manchester second No10 and deeper English devolution
Prime Minister Andy Burnham proposes a second Downing Street in Manchester and a shift of powers to local authorities, sparking criticism.
Andy Burnham has outlined a scheme to establish a second prime-ministerial office in Manchester while redistributing central government functions to regional bodies, effectively federalising England. Observers note that local councils are widely perceived as inefficient and unaccountable, with citizens irritated by issues like irregular bin services and strict traffic zones. The plan has been criticised for offering no detailed roadmap and for potentially widening existing economic and social gaps between areas such as Middlesbrough, Blackpool and Redcar.
Skeptics also point to the weak public consultation framework, which does not compel councils to publicise or act on feedback. Historical parallels are drawn with the former Yugoslav federation, suggesting that excessive regionalisation can fuel division. Overall, the proposal is viewed as a contentious attempt to reshape the nation’s constitutional arrangement.
Why it matters
The plan could reshape England’s governance and affect how public services are delivered across regions.
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