No10 North Launches Major Hiring Campaign to Drive Devolution Across Britain

No10 North, the government's new office in Manchester, has begun a substantial recruitment drive, advertising 50 external positions across various departments. This hiring spree is part of the office's mandate to accelerate the devolution of power across the United Kingdom. The office, which functions as a sister entity to London's Downing Street, was established by Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July. Government sources indicate that the new roles will be funded through existing departmental budgets, and the hiring initiative will not result in any civil service redundancies. No10 North currently employs 120 staff members, representing nearly half of the 280 employees working in No10 London. The new roles cover key areas including strategy, communications, engagement, policy, and private office functions. The government stated that the recruitment campaign seeks staff who can bring fresh perspectives and knowledge of the regions they serve. Financial estimates suggest that the basic salaries for the new recruits total approximately £2.8 million, excluding the civil service employer pension contributions of 28.97%. Among the senior appointments is a "rewiring the state deputy director," whose salary band ranges from £86,000 to £117,000. This individual will lead the Rewiring the State Unit, tasked with shaping the government's approach to devolution across different departments. No10 North is designed to work directly with local councils and mayors to identify and address barriers hindering regional progress. Prime Minister Burnham described the office as the "nerve-centre of a rewired Britain," intended to stimulate growth in various parts of the country. However, the expansion has drawn criticism from the Conservative Party. Deputy leader Alex Burghart characterized the hiring as an increase in bureaucracy at taxpayers' expense, while Mike Wood questioned the lack of transparency regarding the office's headcounts and attendance figures. Deputy Director Duncan Parish acknowledged that the office faces institutional challenges in achieving its aims and called for a necessary "mindset shift" within central government. The office has already hosted regional mayor summits and education summits, including a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in September. Logistically, No10 North is currently based in Heron House on Manchester's Albert Square. The government has confirmed that the office will relocate to a new government building on First Street in Spring 2027, where it will share space with other government departments.