Andy Burnham plans to work some days in Manchester as PM

Andy Burnham plans to spend some of his working week in Manchester if he becomes prime minister, the BBC has been told.

It is not clear whether he will spend a set number of days there, or whether there will be a more informal arrangement.

But he plans to split his time between Downing Street and the North West, it is understood.

In his first speech since launching his Labour leadership bid, Burnham announced on Monday he would create a new “No 10 North” unit in Manchester if he replaces outgoing PM Sir Keir Starmer.

Burnham’s allies hope his presence in the city would be a strong symbol of his commitment to devolve power away from Westminster.

The former mayor of Greater Manchester announced his intention to stand to replace Sir Keir last Monday, shortly after being elected as the MP for Makerfield.

So far, he is the only Labour MP to announce a leadership bid. If he remains the sole candidate, he could become the next prime minister as early as 20 July.

Past prime ministers, including Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, have spent some time away from London in their constituencies, but those around Burnham say his arrangements would be different to the norm.

If Burnham chose to not to make Downing Street his main home, he would become the first prime minister since Labour premier Harold Wilson not to reside primarily in the famous London building.

Wilson lived in No 10 during his first term in office between 1964 and 1970, but opted to live at Lord North Street, a short walk from Parliament, during his second premiership between 1974 and 1976.