Number 10 North launches multi-million pound recruitment drive

The Manchester-based Number 10 North office, established by the prime minister in July, has launched a recruitment drive advertising 50 external job roles. According to BBC News calculations, the basic salaries for these positions total up to £2.8m, excluding civil service pension contributions of 28.97%. Government sources stated that the new roles will be funded through existing budgets and will not result in redundancies elsewhere in the civil service.

Expansion and Roles

• Staff Growth: Number 10 North currently employs 120 staff members, approaching half the headcount of London's Downing Street.
• Key Positions: Advertised roles include a "rewiring the state deputy director" with a salary band of £86,000 to £117,000.
• Office Relocation: The government confirmed that the office will move from Heron House to a new facility on First Street in spring 2027.

Political Reaction

The recruitment drive has drawn criticism from opposition Conservatives. Conservative Party deputy leader Alex Burghart criticised the move, claiming the government promised to streamline the civil service while increasing staff and failing to clarify funding sources. Shadow cabinet minister Mike Wood also raised concerns regarding transparency over headcounts and office attendance figures. In response, the government defended the office, stating it aims to bring decisions closer to the public and drive the transfer of power out of Westminster.