Regional mayors to join UK economic council under No 10 North plan
7 reported
Regional mayors will take a leading role in UK economic policy as part of the new prime minister’s No 10 North plan, according to an article by Andy Burnham in the Guardian. Burnham revived the national economic council (NEC), first created by Gordon Brown during the 2008 financial crisis, arguing that economic growth requires the same urgency. Burnham will chair the council’s inaugural meeting on Friday, bringing together senior ministers and regional mayors. He wrote that the era of fighting devolution is over and that No 10 North seeks to correct the concentration of decision-making power in London. The prime minister will become the first British leader to run the government weekly from Manchester. The new Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, led by Louise Haigh, will oversee No 10 North, the London No 10 operation, and parts of the Cabinet Office. The NEC will include business leaders, trade unions, and other partners depending on the issues discussed.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham revived the national economic council (NEC), first set up by Gordon Brown during the 2008 financial crash.
Burnham will chair the inaugural NEC meeting on Friday, bringing together senior ministers and regional mayors.
Burnham wrote that “the era of fighting devolution is over” and that No 10 North seeks to correct London-centric decision-making.
Burnham will be the first British leader to run the government on a weekly basis from Manchester.
A new Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, led by Louise Haigh, will oversee No 10 North, the London No 10 operation, and parts of the Cabinet Office.
At least seven Greater Manchester Combined Authority employees are moving into the temporary Heron House building.
The NEC will include business leaders, trade unions, and other partners as needed.
Key figures
Andy Burnham (prime minister)
Louise Haigh (ally and enforcer, leads Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet)
Lucy Powell (education secretary)
Angela Rayner (communities secretary)
Dave Penman (general secretary of the FDA union)
Caroline Simpson (deputy chief of staff to Burnham)
Kevin Lee (longstanding aide to Burnham)
Sam Lister (senior civil servant, will lead Heron House office)
Gordon Brown (former prime minister, set up original NEC)
Alistair Darling (former chancellor)
Peter Mandelson (former business secretary)
Sources: The Guardian
