Fifty new adverts

Number 10 North, the Downing Street office in Manchester set up by Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July 2026, has launched 50 external job adverts. The roles, all based in Manchester, cover strategy, communications, engagement, private office and policy, including a rewiring the state deputy director on £86,000 to £117,000.

Scale and funding

The hiring takes the team from about 60 staff to about 120, against about 280 in No10 London. BBC calculations put the new roles' basic salaries at up to £2.8 million, excluding employer pension contributions. Government sources say the roles are funded from existing budgets, with no redundancies elsewhere, some jobs relocated and some vacant roles closed.

The politics

Downing Street says the recruits will work with mayors and councils to identify barriers holding places back. The Conservatives called the office a gimmick. The office currently operates from Heron House in Manchester and is expected to move to the First Street government hub.

Sources: NewsATW (BBC reporting) | Brit Brief