Andy Burnham will rip progress agenda from Whitehall and transfer it to Manchester

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that the move is part of a “huge transfer of power” away from London and the traditional centre of British politics

Andy Burnham has said that No 10 North will take over responsibility for economic growth from the Treasury. The Prime Minister indicated that the move is part of a “huge transfer of power” away from Whitehall.

He raised concerns about the Treasury’s traditional dual role in both promoting economic growth and controlling the public finances. But Mr Burnham said the department’s focus on balancing the books “sometimes clouds that growth mission”.

He signalled that the significance of No 10 North, based in Manchester, would become “more and more apparent as we go forward”.

The PM said the move has the full backing of Chancellor John Healey and slammed critics who have dismissed No 10 North as a “satellite office”.

Mr Burnham said: “It is actually a huge transfer of power. It’s something that the country has never cracked before.

“I don’t wish this to sound, you know, a criticism or negative about the Treasury. There’s a job to be done around control of public finances.

“It’s just the dual job of growth and control of public finances sometimes clouds the growth mission.

“Having No 10 leading on that growth mission means you’ve got maximum power to unlock the blockages where they exist in the Whitehall system.”

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has insisted the Prime Minister’s plans for No 10 North were “not at all” a demotion for Mr Healey.

She said the chancellor is “working really hard” with the PM, herself and other cabinet colleagues.

Ms Rayner added that the Cabinet has been “really clear on our intent to put devolution and community empowerment at the heart of this Government”.

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