'I went to Manchester dressed as Andy Burnham to see what people thought of the PM'

As office workers and builders take their lunch breaks in Manchester city centre, many walk past the unassuming building without a second glance.

But four burly police officers standing guard outside Heron House make it obvious. This is now for the moment, at least the heart of Government.

The site of the new No10 North, opened by Andy Burnham last week, sits tucked between a Slug & Lettuce and a JW Lees pub great for the pint-loving new PM. But what do locals think of the attempt to transfer power out of Whitehall and into Albert Square?

Couples are still getting married in the building, which also contains a register office. A groom posing for photos outside jokes: I feel like Andy Burnham.

And some passers-by seem shocked by the lack of heavy-duty security. Its a far cry from Downing Street, where metal gates stop the public from walking down it and that famous door doesnt open from the outside.

Liv, who doesnt want to give her last name, admits she hadnt realised the building was so important. Im excited its here, she says. Its about time we have representation in the north.

We have MPs in Scotland and everywhere else and they always have to go to London, so why not make it more accessible for everyone?

Ive always liked Andy Burnham. I think hes done a great job as mayor and its the first time in my entire life that weve had a Prime Minister and Ive liked the person first.

Heron House is a 1980s office block built on the site of an old warehouse opposite Manchester Town Hall. Its only the temporary home of No10 North a site in nearby Ancoats has been earmarked for new custom-built premises.

Academic Michaela Rogers, 53, says its about time the north got a seat at the top table.

She adds: Were sort of the poor cousin in the north, so I think its really good to give us that representation.

I like Andy Burnham. I used to work at Salford University when he first became mayor and he did a bit of work with some colleagues about alleviating poverty and deprivation. He seemed really genuine and committed to improving those areas.

Apprentice stonemason Aren Pym, 23, warns: Theres been a lot of rhetoric about the north not getting what it should get, but the issue is that since they closed the industry, it wont be sustainable.

A lot of places have had shopping centres built and things, but there needs to be a strong local industry to sustain that investment.

Burnham has faced criticism for his focus on Manchester and the north of England. But Gwenan Toplis, a nurse from Caernarfon in north Wales, thinks the new site will benefit every region of the country.

She explains: It puts the north on the map and gives the working class a chance of getting heard.

It can only be a good thing to bring regional leaders together. I suppose the thing is how the power is used when it is devolved.

How the Burnham look came together

Andy Burnham might be the King of the North, but right now Im the clown prince of the provinces.

Im here in central Manchester to scope out the area for the new PM and obviously, I need to look the part. Donning a cheap wig that makes me look more like a Beatle, I soon learn Burnham-mania is a real thing.

Nobody has a bad word to say about the man. Sadly, the locals seem less sure about me. Im quickly shut down when I ask a newly-married couple to pose for a picture outside the Heron House register office.

A few stop and stare when I head off for a run an important part of Andys daily fitness routine. I wonder how the Labour leader copes with all this.

Luckily, theres three pubs within a Jordan Pickford goal kick of the office, where he might soon be able to enjoy a post-work pint. Hes also a big fan of pub snacks, if his recent social media posts are anything to go by.

And Im pleased to report that at the Town Hall Tavern, in Tib Lane, theres a fine selection of crisps, scampi fries, bacon fries and peanuts. I think hes going to like it here.

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