A fundamental change in how the UK's central government operates is essential if Number 10 North is to achieve its goals, according to its deputy director. Duncan Parish told delegates at a conference in Lincolnshire on Wednesday that deep-rooted "institutional challenges" within government must be tackled to drive meaningful reform. According to BBC News, the Manchester office—established by Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July as a counterpart to London's Downing Street—faces significant obstacles in delivering its agenda.
Parish, who spent years as a civil servant in Whitehall before relocating to Manchester four years ago, acknowledged that his experience in government had been marked by frustration. He described how different departments often work at cross-purposes, each pursuing objectives that are similar yet subtly competing. Speaking at the Great Exhibition conference of local political and business leaders, Parish outlined how Number 10 North staff are "delivering outcomes at a national level across a huge range of areas" including health, transport, education and social care, but stressed that overcoming institutional barriers remains an ongoing struggle.
The office has already attracted criticism from political opponents. Conservative shadow minister Mike Wood characterised it as a "gimmick" in September, raising concerns about transparency and the lack of publicly available information regarding its operational costs. In a House of Commons debate, Wood highlighted that neither the annual budget, staffing levels nor office attendance statistics have been disclosed. He stated:
"The minister either doesn't know or won't tell us how much No 10 North will cost, how many people work there or how many of them actually turn up to work - it's almost as though this hasn't been properly thought through."
Cabinet Office minister Sally Jameson revealed last week that the government has not calculated how much has been spent on accommodation for Number 10 North staff, ministers and special advisers travelling between the two cities since the office opened. She explained that the cost is "not centrally collated" but is "being met within existing departmental budgets". However, parliamentary records show disclosed setup costs including £978.87 to relocate the replica door, £10,527.20 for office branding, £8,799 for enabling works and £18,718.23 for IT and communications. The office is currently based at Heron House and is expected to move to Manchester Digital Campus when it becomes operational in 2032.
Parish's remarks reflect the broader challenge facing the new administration. He explained that one of Number 10 North's core priorities is to "shift power and accountability" closer to local areas, but acknowledged that "that means reforming the civil service as well" by breaking down the traditional separation between national, regional and local government structures. He told the Lincolnshire audience:
"We're here to unblock issues that may have become stalled or where boundaries within government end up being a hindrance."
The deputy director highlighted how government work is often perceived as slow or difficult, and stressed that delivering change requires a cultural transformation.
"But to deliver that change, requires us all to change - and part of that change is a mindset shift within central government,"he said.
"We need to focus on the whole country and work across those boundaries, bringing in mayoral strategic authorities like Greater Lincolnshire into discussions that previously they may not have been part of - working bottom-up, rather than top-down."
The initiative comes as the government continues to face scrutiny over the office's financial implications. A BBC report updated on 20 October revealed that Greater Manchester Police faces a forecast overspend of almost £10m, with deputy mayor Kate Green attributing some of the new demands to Number 10 North. The government responded by noting that police funding stands at a record £18.5bn and Greater Manchester Police has received a £33.3m cash increase.
How will success be measured?
Parish addressed this question directly in his speech, stating that ultimately, success will be judged by whether people across the UK feel tangible improvements in their communities.
"Ultimately, success will be in people in the UK feeling the difference in their communities, with greater opportunities, improved living standards, faster decisions...more joined up services and a stronger voices in the future of their place."
What happens next for Number 10 North?
Number 10 North is scheduled to hold its latest summit of regional mayors on Thursday, with discussions taking place in its "situation room". Burnham has previously indicated he will work at the Manchester office at least once a week. In September, he hosted Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the facility, signalling its role in high-level political engagement.
