Starmer’s Administration Explored Relocating Staff from 10 Downing Street to Modernize Operations
Senior figures in the previous Labour government discussed relocating staff from 10 Downing Street to an open-plan office in the Foreign Office due to concerns about the building’s outdated layout and lack of collaboration. The discussions, confirmed by former communications director James Lyons, remained in early stages and did not involve moving the Prime Minister’s residence. Current Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not yet assessed the suitability of the historic building as a workplace, though he recently restructured the center of government to improve efficiency.
Key points
- Former director of communications James Lyons confirmed that moving out of 10 Downing Street was discussed during his tenure from October 2024 to September 2025.
- Senior officials cited the building’s 'rabbit warren' layout as a barrier to collaboration, describing it as gloomy and inefficient for modern government work.
- A potential alternative location was identified within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office building, which is located near Downing Street.
- Lord Walker, a former adviser to Keir Starmer, criticized the building as 'not fit for purpose' and suggested it should become a museum or residence.
- The discussions did not progress beyond an early phase, and it is unclear if Prime Minister Starmer was consulted on the potential move.
- Current Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not formed a view on the building's suitability but has created a new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet to streamline operations.
Background
This development follows the recent transition of power from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, who took office in July 2026. Burnham’s early actions include restructuring the center of government by creating the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, led by Dame Antonia Romeo, to address perceived inefficiencies in the previous administration. The move reflects broader frustrations within the Labour party regarding the pace of policy implementation and the physical constraints of historic government buildings.
Why it matters
The potential relocation highlights ongoing tensions between the historical significance of 10 Downing Street and the practical needs of modern governance. It underscores the challenges faced by the current administration in implementing structural reforms to improve collaboration and efficiency within the center of government, a priority for Prime Minister Burnham.
What to watch
It remains to be seen whether Prime Minister Andy Burnham will revisit the idea of relocating staff or implementing further structural changes to the center of government. The new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet may influence future decisions regarding the use and layout of government buildings.
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