Andy Burnham has reportedly picked Greater Manchester’s CEO to oversee devolution of power at No 10 North
Caroline Simpson has worked as Manchester CEO for just over two years joining after serving in the same position for Stockport Council Chief
Her appointment made her Group Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Transport for Greater Manchester
In her public sector career she worked in housing, and regional development agencies in the North West and West Midlands.
Her career started in the City of Liverpool delivering community-based regeneration projects, with a particular focus on work and skills.
Just weeks before today’s announcement, Caroline joined Lisa Morton on We Built This City, the award-winning podcast celebrating the people who have put the heart into modern Manchester.
In a candid conversation, Caroline discusses what it really takes to lead one of Europe’s fastest-growing city regions, how Greater Manchester is using devolution to improve people’s lives, why inclusive growth matters, and what she believes will define the region’s next decade.
She also reflects on the leadership values that have shaped her career and why collaboration has been central to Greater Manchester’s success.
Hosted by Lisa Morton, founder of Roland Dransfield, We Built This City recently celebrated its 100th episode.
Since launching in February 2020, the podcast has become a unique oral history of modern Manchester, featuring the leaders, innovators and changemakers whose work continues to shape the city region.
Previous guests include Andy Burnham, the late Sir Howard Bernstein, Professor Erinma Bell, Sacha Lord, DJ Paulette, Clint Boon, Rowetta, John Henshaw and many more from the worlds of business, culture, politics, sport and the voluntary sector.
As today’s news places Caroline Simpson firmly in the national spotlight, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the people helping shape the future of Greater Manchester—and potentially the future of devolution across the UK.
Listen to Caroline Simpson on We Built This City:
MeanwhilecPlans for the No 10 of the North are already well under way with reports that as Prime Minister Andy Burnham will spend a minimum of a day a week in “No.10 North”
He will not use No.10 as his main residence and his primary home will remain in the North West
Senior advisors have already begun work on establishing the Northern Downing Street
