Andy Burnham is reportedly planning to create a "Number 10 in the North" if he becomes Prime Minister, moving part of the government operation to Manchester.
The Financial Times have reported that Burnham is considering establishing a northern base for Downing Street as part of plans to devolve more power from Westminster.
A person briefed on the plans told the newspaper: "Andy has big plans on devolution and that includes having an office in the north."
According to The Financial Times, Burnham is expected to set out plans on Monday (June 29) for a devolution of power if he becomes Prime Minister next month.
No British Prime Minister has attempted to systematically run part of the government from outside London.
Burnham has made devolution a central part of his political career.
During his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, powers over transport, skills, housing and health were transferred to the city-region through a series of devolution deals.
In 2023, Greater Manchester secured a Trailblazer Devolution Deal, which gave the region greater control over skills, housing and transport funding.
Earlier this year, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire agreed new health devolution arrangements with NHS England.
Burnham has previously called for further powers to be transferred from Whitehall, including greater control over education, transport and local government funding.
Burnham's election as MP for Makerfield earlier this month triggered a Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, which is scheduled to take place on July 30.
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