Burnham's Number 10 North Launches Multi-Million Hiring Spree

Andy Burnham's Number 10 North office, established in Manchester by the prime minister last July, has initiated a multi-million pound recruitment campaign featuring 50 external job advertisements. Among the newly opened positions is a "rewiring the state deputy director" role, marking the latest milestone in the government's decentralization strategy.

Government sources have confirmed that these roles will be funded through existing budgets, ensuring no redundancies elsewhere within the civil service by reallocating resources and closing vacant posts. All new positions are based in Manchester and span several key departments, including:

• Strategy and communications
• Public engagement and private office
• Policy development

BBC News calculations indicate that these new positions total up to £2.8 million in basic salaries alone, excluding employer pension contributions of 28.97%. Number 10 North now employs 120 staff members, nearly half of the 280 personnel working at Downing Street in London. The government stated the recruitment drive aims to attract individuals offering fresh perspectives rooted in the communities they serve.

"He [Burnham] promised to streamline the civil service, but now he is hiring extra staff and, once again, won't say where the money is coming from."

Alex Burghart, Conservative Party deputy leader

Regarding real estate plans, the government confirmed that Number 10 North will transition from its temporary location at Heron House on Albert Square to a permanent government facility on First Street in spring 2027. The city center building will be shared with other departments including business, education, local government, and the Cabinet Office.