The move, seen as key in his devolution-driven agenda as Labour leader, could have already been stymied, however. The site Mr Burnham has referenced, a five-acre future civil service hub near Manchester Piccadilly station, won't be up and running until 2032, reports suggest. In his first broadcast interview since Sir Keir resigned last month, Mr Burnham told LBC: "This is about obviously extending the Downing Street operation, creating a North Pole, if you like, so that the country can see that the power is more balanced.

"Number 10 North will act in the interests of everywhere, though."

Pressed on a more specific location, the PM-hopeful said: "There is already a proposal for a government digital campus close to Manchester Piccadilly, so it is my intention, if I get the opportunity, is to base it there.

"I will spend time there, because I think it’s really important to show a new drive around taking power out of Westminster. Why? To get growth in every postcode around around the country."

Mr Burnham can't be based just anywhere as Prime Minister, with the traditional residence in Downing Street located in a gated area entirely closed off from public access and guarded by armed police around the clock.

While the Manchester site may be a viable alternative, it was only approved by the Treasury earlier this year, and construction has yet to begin, according to the Daily Mail.

Planning documents suggest it won't be operational until 2032, three years after the latest possible date for the next general election.

As the July 20 date for Sir Keir's exit looms closer, Mr Burnham also has yet to decide who will be his chancellor of the exchequer.

He told the press he "hasn't made those decisions and deliberately not" during interviews this week.

"I didn't answer questions, and some people criticise me for that, but again, I'm challenging some of the prevailing culture, where it immediately will go into a Westminster obsession," he said.