Britain has a new prime minister – one who has promised to 'do things differently.' Does this apply to his living situation as well? Here’s everything you need to know about Andy Burnham's new address.
Throughout the years, the UK's prime ministers have all had very different relationships with 10 Downing Street.
Margaret Thatcher referred to it as her 'refuge from the rest of the world.' Akshata Murty, wife of Rishi Sunak, called it a 'gorgeous family home.' Liz Truss, who chose to live in No 11, described it as a 'soulless cage – with fleas.'
Many PMs have chosen to renovate, redesign or otherwise put their own stamp on it. Now it’s Andy Burnham’s turn to take over the property.
Where does Andy Burnham live?
No 10 Downing Street is the prime minister's official London residence and office. Andy Burnham, however, is expected to divide his time between the capital and his 4-bed, semi-detached house in Golborne, near Warrington.
The arrangement reflects his longstanding association with northern England. Born in Liverpool, Burnham built a reputation as a passionate advocate for communities in the North during his time as mayor of Greater Manchester – a reputation that earned him the moniker 'King of the North.'
His decision also aligns with his promise to 'take power out of Westminster and carry it into every postcode in the country.'
Where are his offices based?
Living arrangements aside, Andy Burnham also plans to divide his working week between No 10 Downing Street and the new No 10 North office in Manchester.
Burnham has said the new Manchester office is intended to support greater devolution across all four UK nations. He is expected to work there for at least one day each week.
In July 2026, Andy Burnham shared a short tour of the new No 10 North offices. In it, the PM revealed the personal decorations he'd added, including a gold disc of The Smiths' album The Queen is Dead – 'I need to return that to Johnny Marr, actually,' he joked – and a poster promoting the Brit Awards in Manchester.
How have previous Prime Ministers decorated Downing Street?
Prime ministers have historically expressed mixed feelings about Downing Street. Benjamin Disraeli described it as 'dingy and decaying' and William Pitt the Younger referred to it as a 'vast, awkward house.' This has led to a series of renovations over the years – and a fair few debates about who should pay for refurbishments.
Disraeli modernised Downing Street during his time as prime minister, doing up the entrance halls, public and private rooms. The exterior has changed, too. In 1908, during Herbert Henry Asquith’s premiership, the famous front door was painted green. It returned to black after he left office in 1916.
In recent decades, prime ministers with families have often chosen to live in the larger flat above No 11. Tony Blair moved there after becoming prime minister in 1997, and Gordon Brown and David Cameron later followed suit.
More recently, Keir Starmer, an avid football fan, put a signed Lionesses shirt in No 10. He also removed a portrait of Margaret Thatcher from the study, telling the BBC that the decision was not political, but simply because he dislikes 'pictures of people staring down at me.'
It remains to be seen what changes Burnham will make to his London residence. If No 10 North is anything to go by, can we be expecting a band tribute or two?
Follow House Beautiful on TikTok and Instagram.
The Kerb Appeal Edit
