Andy Burnham picks Greater Manchester CEO to oversee devolution of power at No 10 North

Caroline Simpson worked closely with Burnham when he was Greater Manchester mayor

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Andy Burnham has asked the current chief executive of the Greater Manchester combined authority to be his deputy chief of staff, leading the new No 10 North, if as expected he becomes prime minister in three weeks’ time.

Caroline Simpson, who worked closely with Burnham when he was mayor, will be based in Manchester to oversee the devolution of power and resources across the UK that he promised would transform the country.