Labour

Andy Burnham Says Opening of No 10 North Is 'The Best Day of My Life'

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the opening of No 10 North was "the best day of my life" as he outlined his vision to bring government closer to every part of the United Kingdom.

By Staff member • Published 24 July 2026 at 15:15 • 2 min read
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described the opening of No 10 North as "the best day of my life", saying the new government headquarters represents a fundamental change in how Britain will be governed.

Speaking from the new office, Mr Burnham told supporters that the moment marked the beginning of a more decentralised approach to government, with decision-making brought closer to communities across the United Kingdom.

"I think this might be the best day of my life. I'm not joking either. I know you think I am, but I'm not."

Mr Burnham said No 10 North would serve not only England's regions but also Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, describing it as a symbol of a government committed to ensuring that every part of the UK has a stronger voice.

"Number 10 North is as much for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as it is for the regions of England."

He said his ambition was for "nowhere" in the country to feel forgotten, adding:

"Nowhere forgotten, everywhere feeling heard, everyone with a sense that their place can be more than it is today."

The Prime Minister also outlined his vision for economic renewal, saying he wanted to see Britain's high streets revitalised and manufacturing jobs return to communities across the country.

"High streets lifted around the country. Britain re-industrialised, getting those good jobs back into all of our regions."

Mr Burnham said No 10 North would become a hub where local leaders could work directly with central government to turn regional ambitions into reality.

"Through this place, power is going to flow, energy is going to flow, new ideas are going to come through, the regions are going to play back their ambitions here and the team is then going to say, 'Right, we're behind you, we're going to make them work.'"

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister said the initiative represented a different model of government for the United Kingdom.

"That is a different way of running Britain. That is what I'm committed to do as Prime Minister."

The opening of No 10 North forms part of Mr Burnham's wider commitment to devolving power away from Westminster and strengthening the role of regions and nations in national decision-making.

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