Leaders in Madison, Wisconsin, have identified Corey Ruiz as the man killed yesterday in a fatal police shooting that has sparked waves of protests and anger in the community.
“It does not matter who you are or what your past is, you should not lose your life as a result of an encounter with law enforcement,” Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said at a press conference on Thursday, which was later taken over by protesters criticizing the city and its police department.
Before the protesters stormed the stage, Common Council President Sabrina Madison said she was seeking “justice for Corey” and called on community members to demand police reform and a swift investigation by the state officials probing the shooting.
“If the protocol is to go that quickly to shoot this gentleman in the head three times, and that is an option, I don’t know how that is an option,” she said. “My brain has not been able to put that together as an option. Because I didn’t see anything that warranted it.”
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Critics argued video of the incident shared widely online showed that police “executed” Ruiz in the middle of a busy street in broad daylight.
A fatal police shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, has fueled anger as harrowing footage shows the moment an officer killed Corey Ruiz at point-blank range in the middle of the street (Michael Doubek)
Here is everything we know about the case:
What happened?
Footage shows four cops on Wednesday working to subdue Ruiz, who police said was armed with a knife. The officers surround the man as he struggles to break free. While they have him by the arms and on the ground, one cop pulls out his gun and shoots the victim dead before reholstering his weapon and an officer puts the victim’s limp arms behind his body to handcuff him.
“This was an execution, and it never should have happened,” Fran Hong, a Democratic state representative running for governor, said of the shooting.
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However, police stressed the incident remains under investigation and have begged the community not to jump to conclusions based on the video.
The violence unfolded Wednesday afternoon at the busy intersection of Madison’s South Baldwin and Williamson Streets around 1:34 p.m., an area surrounded by homes, bars, restaurants and shops.
A “physical struggle” ensued as Ruiz managed to briefly stand up while in the grip of the officers, before one of them yelled, “Taser, Taser Taser” and pointed the stun gun at him. The Taser failed to discharge, police said.
Officers wrestled Ruiz back down to the ground while one of them appeared to step on his leg to keep him on the floor. Less than a second later, one of the officers pulled out his gun, pointed it at the victim, and fired three shots.
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Bystanders have shared disturbing footage of the shooting that took place Wednesday at the busy intersection of Madison’s South Baldwin and Williamson Streets around 1:34 p.m. (Michael Doubek)
Madison Police Department shared a photograph of the knife they said Corey Ruiz injured an officer with. The officer then fired his weapon (Madison Police Department)
Ruiz was slumped on the ground and did not appear to move again.
A bystander’s screams were then heard nearby, as a woman yelled, “I saw everything, we watched it all.”
With the victim limp and face down on the ground, blood pouring from his head, the officer who shot him reholstered his weapon and then his placed the man’s hands behind his back as if to restrain him. Another officer removed the knife, throwing it to the side.
Two other officers were seen standing around the scene, before police put on gloves and appeared to administer first aid.
Ruiz was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
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With the victim face down on the ground as blood poured from his head, the officer then placed the man’s hands behind his back. Another officer removed the knife (Michael Doubek)
What police say happened
On Wednesday, Madison Police Chief John Patterson appealed for calm at a press conference in the aftermath, recounting the official narrative and pointing out that video of the shooting seen online only offered one side of the story.
Patterson also explained that Madison police officers do not wear body cameras, so there is no bodycam footage of the shooting.
In a statement, the department said officers were responding to a report alleging that someone had been seen attempting to break into parked cars in the city’s Marquette neighborhood.
Madison Police Chief Patterson appealed for calm at a press conference in the aftermath, recounting the official narrative and pointing out that video of the shooting seen online only offered one side of the story (Michael Doubek)
The officers pursued Ruiz, who was on a bicycle. “The man either fell or was pulled off the bicycle, this is still being determined, and a struggle ensued with officers in the middle of the intersection,” the statement said.
“During the struggle, the man pulled out a fix-blade knife and injured an officer. Officers continued to try to get the man into custody and a less lethal device, a taser, was used but it was unsuccessful.”
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“The officer injured by the knife is the one who fired his weapon,” the statement continued. “Officers at the scene provided life-saving measures.”
Chief Patterson added on Thursday that he was unsure why the Taser did not function during the encounter, one of many factors state officials will investigate as they scrutinize the shooting.
A second officer was injured in the incident but police have not said how, only that they do not believe his wound was caused by the knife.
The four officers involved have since been placed on administrative leave according to procedure and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation has commenced an independent probe.
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What do we know about the victim?
Protesters march after a police officer shot and killed a man Wednesday in Madison, Wisconsin (AP)
Police have said Ruiz was in his 30s.
His race has not been disclosed by officials, but Black advocacy groups in Madison said they believed he was Black, as they denounced the violence.
“Another Black man is dead on a Madison street, and our community watched him die before we even knew his name,” said Brandi Grayson, the head of the Madison-based Black community advocacy group Urban Triage. “That is the cruelty of state violence.”
Ruiz’s death comes after the fatal shooting of Tony Robinson, who was biracial, at the hands of a white police officer on the same street in 2015. Large protests followed, but the district attorney did not file charges against police, determining the officer was justified.
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Who was the officer who shot the victim?
The name of the officer who shot the victim has not been released by Madison police.
In a statement, the department described him as “a veteran officer” and confirmed he has been placed on administrative leave, along with the other officers involved.
How has the community reacted?
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Protesters gather at a candlelight vigil for the victim Wednesday evening (AP)
Tensions remained high in Madison on Thursday as information trickled out about the shooting.
A group of activists temporarily seized the stage from the Madison mayor and police chief on Thursday, demanding that the “pigs” who shot Ruiz be put in jail, while denouncing claims from officials about pursuing justice as a “clown show.”
The takeover inspired some in the crowd to shout down the activists, and a man in the audience almost came to blows with a demonstrator who grabbed the microphone.
“I know this is tough,” Patterson said once he resume his remarks.
“Everyone in this room can feel the thinness of trust in this city right now,” he added.
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Protesters temporarily took over a press conference on Thursday about the shooting, demanding that the officers involved in the arrest and killing of Corey Ruiz be put in prison (Reuters)
The chief said that police operate based on a “sacred public trust,” which frays the more that force is used. He stressed that the department immediately sought an independent investigation and will fully cooperate with the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
“We will not hide from any aspect of this investigation,” he said.
The demonstration on Thursday came after hundreds of people took to the streets Wednesday evening to protest the killing and to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of Ruiz.
Some stayed overnight. “I don’t plan to leave anytime soon because it’s important to hold this space,” said Ben Weger, a pastor of Stoughton United Methodist Church about 20 miles away.
Sabrina Thompson, of Madison, was crying at the memorial site. “It’s really unbearable,” she said through tears. “You can’t describe it.”
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Hundreds of people took to the streets Wednesday evening to protest the killing and to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of Corey Ruiz (AP)
Hong, a Democratic primary candidates in Wisconsin’s governor’s race, also attended the vigil and spoke to demonstrators through a megaphone.
“This state sanctioned violence was an execution,” she told a crowd.
Incumbent Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers called for “transparency and accountability” on X, expressing his sympathies for the victim’s family and saying that any protest should be conducted “peacefully and respectfully.”
“Each incident reopens deep wounds, raises difficult questions, and reminds us of the urgent work that remains to build trust, transparency, and accountability in our systems,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is also running for governor.
“There are questions that must be answered,” added Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “It’s understandable that people want answers now.”
New figures from GfK show overall consumer confidence rose by six points in July to minus 17 – the largest monthly increase since November 2023.
Although confidence remains below zero, the sharp improvement suggests households are becoming more optimistic after years of high inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
The research was carried out between July 1 and July 14, before Andy Burnham officially entered Downing Street, meaning respondents were reacting largely to expectations surrounding the new Prime Minister rather than his policy announcements.
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Confidence in the UK’s economy over the past year climbed 10 points to minus 39, while expectations for the year ahead improved by eight points to minus 28.
People also appeared more willing to spend, with GfK’s Major Purchase Index – which measures confidence in buying expensive items such as furniture, electrical goods and cars – jumping eight points to minus 12, its greatest improvement in months.
Confidence in personal finances over the next year also edged into positive territory, rising three points to plus one.
Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director at GfK, said: “Hot on the heels of the summer heatwaves, July has delivered a wave of optimism.”
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He suggested several factors had combined to improve sentiment.
“The sense of a fresh start following the appointment of a new Prime Minister surely accounts for some of this bounce.”
Bellamy also pointed to hopes that tensions in the Middle East would ease.
“There were also hopes at the start of July that the Middle East conflict might stabilise and bring UK fuel prices down.”
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He added that England’s performances at the FIFA World Cup had also helped boost morale.
“The feel-good factor of the Fifa World Cup will have reinforced sentiment too.”
Despite the sharp improvement, Bellamy cautioned that households are not yet out of the woods.
“July’s improved Overall Index Score remains within the narrow range seen since the end of 2023, and it is a decade since the headline score was in positive territory.”
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He said the Government would now need to turn optimism into lasting economic improvement.
“For the ‘Burnham bounce’ to be sustainable and boost consumer confidence, it will require consistent delivery by the refreshed UK Government against deep cost-of-living challenges and persistent low economic growth.”
The figures provide an encouraging early sign for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey, who have already announced a series of cost-of-living measures, including a cut to VAT on electricity bills, the return of the £2 bus fare cap and plans to review the frozen £12,570 income tax personal allowance in the Autumn Budget.
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While confidence remains in negative territory, the biggest monthly rise since 2023 suggests households are beginning to believe the economic outlook could finally be improving.
Good weather, sporting success or cost of living help – what’s making you feel positive this summer? Tell us in the comments below…
LAS VEGAS (AP) — An investment group that includes ex-Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has bought a minority stake in the Athletics in anticipation of their move to Las Vegas in 2028.
Thursday’s announcement by Harbinger Sports Group did not say what percentage of the Athletics it had acquired. Cuban, who maintains a minority stake in the Mavericks, is the general partner and president of the Atlanta-based group. Atlanta Falcons minority owner Rashaun Williams is the founder and chief investment officer.
Co-founder and CEO Steve Cannon is vice chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment that oversees Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Atlanta Falcons. Managing partner Jonathan Mariner is the former chief financial officer for Major League Baseball.
“We are minority investors looking to make our investors a lot of money,” Cuban said.
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John Fisher is the majority owner of the A’s and is overseeing construction of a $2 billion, 33,000-capacity domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip.
“We are very pleased to welcome Harbinger Sports Partners as an investor in the Athletics,” the team said in a statement. “The experience of their principals across sports, media, and entertainment, combined with their long-term perspective, makes them a valuable addition to our ownership group as we work to build the future of the franchise in Las Vegas.”
The A’s are playing the second of three planned seasons at a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento, California.
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AP Sports Writer Schuyler Dixon in Dallas contributed to this report.
After a busy year in the garden, July is usually the month by which growers can finally start to enjoy their bounties. It’s a good time to pick courgettes before they turn into marrows, get those glorious tomatoes off the vine, and harvest some early stone fruits, like nectarines and plums.
But in his gardening blog’s July entry, Monty Don said that a veg-ruining fungus can “develop very fast when the temperature is high and the air humid for 23 hours, and these conditions are becoming increasingly common in July”.
Potato blight, which has become more common in the UK as summer temperatures trend upwards, can be prevented if spotted early.
What is potato blight?
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It includes fungi and fungus-like organisms that start on potato leaves and stems and then quickly spread to the tuber (the part we eat).
Blight makes potatoes decay and collapse. It’s the plant’s “most serious and damaging disease,” the Royal Horticultural Society said.
For Monty Don, increasingly hot weather has made the risk of blight so great that he now only grows “first earlies”, sometimes known as new potatoes.
These are ready for harvest before peak blight season begins, so they’re less likely to suffer from the disease.
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What are the signs of potato blight?
Brown, watery-looking leaf rot which spreads quickly and leads to shrivelling and rot,
Sometimes, brown patches on stems,
Discoloured patches on potatoes,
Red-brown rot beneath the tubers’ skin.
Sometimes, affected potatoes don’t seem all that affected by blight – in fact the damage might not even be visible – but a “secondary rot” can kick in once they’re stored and affect other spuds.
How can I prevent potato blight?
“The crop can be saved if… foliage is removed [as soon as blight’s] tell-tale chocolate-coloured circular areas of the leaves are noticed,” Monty Don suggested.
But this has to be caught very early as blight spreads fast.
“Remove all foliage and compost it (the fungi do not survive the composting process) and make sure that there is a good soil covering over the tubers. Then wait for a dry day and harvest the crop,” the gardener continued.
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He generally digs his first potatoes on 8 July – his birthday. But the RHS says we should “lift as soon as possible if blight appears in the crop and tubers are of useable size”.
Don’t place potatoes that you think have blight in storage, and check regularly on those you’re stashing away, as secondary rot can be very sly.
If planting potatoes, choose a reputable seller, choose a site with good airflow, and leave space between plants.
James Norton has said he feels “proud” to be part of a show like House Of The Dragon, which leans into practical effects as much as possible, particularly in a climate when AI is becoming more prominent.
The British actor joined House Of The Dragon in its third season, and can currently be seen in action as Ormund Hightower.
Speaking to Jessie Ware on her podcast Table Manners, James admitted: “I’ve got to say, like in the world of AI, I feel like shows like House of the Dragon stand for something important because so much of what you see is actually real.”
“I mean, the dragons aren’t,” he quickly added of the Game Of Thrones spin-off. “But even the heads of the dragons are real.
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“So when you see the dragon [in House Of The Dragon], what we see as actors is about three people all dressed in blue, like the Blue Man Group, head to toe in blue. They’re holding these big sticks, and they have the dragon’s head on it, and they have the wings as well on sticks, and so they move. They’re like puppeteers.”
House Of The Dragon is now into its third season
Reflecting on the rise of AI in the entertainment industry, and the world at large, he said it is “really humbling and encouraging to be on a set” like House Of The Dragon.
“It’s incredible,” he enthused. “Basically, the studio builds are vast and so detailed. I mean, everything like my sword, the armour, it was all so intricate, and there were teams of people who made my sword. You know, they have an old-fashioned blacksmith fashioning the metal.”
Back in 2023, he lamented that Game Of Thrones’ central dragons “were like all the same”, while in House Of Dragon, the mythical creatures “had personality” and “came alive”.
Residents said the smoke had caused a “fogginess” and “acrid smell” stretching for several miles between Torfaen and Pontypool.
SWFRS warned residents to keep windows and doors closed, and advised commuters to switch air conditioning to recirculation mode in their vehicles.
The fire service said it had cut a full perimeter line around the incident.
“This offers a line of protection with the aim of keeping the incident contained, supported by two additional water bowsers from partners and contractors,” it said.
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North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews continued to monitor the situation in Capelulo, near Sychnant Pass, in the wake of a large grass fire on Conwy Mountain.
Elsewhere, firefighters have tackled fires at Hope Mountain and Brymbo, in Wrexham county, Pentrefelin, Holyhead, and Pentre Halkyn overlooking the A55 in Flintshire.
The fire service said they were continuing to oversee conditions as a precaution, with teams from Mid and West Wales Fire Service on hand to help.
“Apparently, conservative critics are losing their minds over the cast of the Christopher Nolan epic The Odyssey,” Whoopi told viewers.
“They were doing that even before it came out, but now that it’s number one at the box office, some of them are still trashing the movie.”
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She continued: “Listen, a lot of conservatives who see this are going to feel the same way. That’s OK.
“But I don’t understand – if you feel like that, why go see the movie? If you don’t want to see it, then don’t go see it. Why do you care who’s cast in it? I don’t understand this idea that ‘if we hate it, everyone must hate it, because we hate it for this reason’. You don’t like Elliot Page? Don’t go see the damn movie! Don’t do it. We will be OK, if you don’t go see it.”
After a discussion with her fellow panellists, Whoopi reiterated: “I don’t understand it, I don’t get why you have to poop on everything you don’t get.”
“We don’t care what you think about the movies,” she concluded. “They’re not real – movies are not real. We are real. So please, get it together.”
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Although Nolan has chosen not to speak about the right-wing backlash directly, he did tell The Telegraph in the lead-up to The Odyssey’s release: “These conversations that happen before people see the film – they’re always irrelevant, because no one having them knows what the film actually is yet.”
He also defended Lupita’s casting, telling Elle earlier this year: “The strength and the poise were so important to the character of Helen. And Lupita makes it look effortless. I’m sure there’s a tremendous amount of discipline and training that goes into projecting that kind of poise and feeling the emotion bubbling beneath the character, the layers of the character right there underneath.
“She’s just an incredible person to work with, and I was absolutely desperate for her to do the part.”
The North East Business Awards, now in their 26th year, celebrate the very best of the region’s business community across three areas: Northumberland & Tyneside, Durham, Sunderland & South Tyneside, and Teesside.
Nine Teesside businesses will head to the grand final in October.
Made in the North East award – Binding Solutions Ltd.
Binding Solutions has been recognised for its manufacturing excellence, flying the flag for products designed and made in the region.
Binding Solutions are a fast-growing technology company with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and energy use, primarily in the production of steel.
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Business Person of the Year – Laura Edgar, Aura Infection Control.
Aura Infection Control’s Managing Director, Laura Edgar, takes the Business Person of the Year title, highlighting her leadership and impact within the infection control sector.
Aura Infection Control is the market leader in dental infection control products and solutions.
Growth award – BA Joinery.
BA Joinery. (Image: BA Joinery)
BA Joinery’s success in the Growth category reflects rapid expansion and ambition, underlining the strength of Teesside’s joinery and construction supply chain.
Small Business of the Year – Colewood Digital.
Colewood Digital has been named Small Business of the Year, showcasing the growing influence of Teesside’s digital marketing firms.
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Innovation award – Salesfire.
Tech company Salesfire takes the Innovation award, representing the region’s credentials in software, data, and e-commerce solutions.
Business for Good award – Binding Solutions Ltd.
Binding Solutions adds a second win with Business for Good, recognising the company’s wider social, environmental, or community contribution alongside its commercial performance.
Start-up award – Cognitive HealthTech Ltd.
Cognitive HealthTech Ltd is named Start-up of the Year, for their work in revolutionising brain health monitoring using AI-powered technology.
Best Place to Work award – Aura Infection Control Ltd.
Aura Infection Control Ltd. (Image: Chris Booth, Aura Infection Control)
Aura Infection Control is also crowned Best Place to Work, with the double success pointing to a strong workplace culture as well as effective leadership.
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Business of the Year – ProPharma.
Drug development group ProPharma takes the Teesside Business of the Year title and will now compete for the overall North East crown.
Read more
The grand final of the North East Business Awards will take place on Thursday, October 1, at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield.
The event is expected to bring together leading figures from across the region’s business community, along with sponsors and partners including headline partner Sage and associate partner Newcastle University.
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For the Teesside firms, it will be a chance not only to celebrate success but also to showcase the area’s innovation, resilience, and growth to a wider audience.
The woman refused to enter the man’s car, before she was grabbed by her hands and forced into a vehicle
A man who forced his partner into a car and drove recklessly to try and avoid police has been jailed. Aamir Mahmood, 33, approached the victim in Thorpe Road, Peterborough at around 3pm on February 5, 2025.
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Mahmood tried to persuade her to get into his Volkswagen Golf, however she refused and tried to flee. The 33-year-old then grabbed the woman’s hands, dragged her into his car and forced her into the passenger’s seat.
A nearby resident heard the victim screaming and approached the vehicle to check on her. When she replied she wasn’t ok, Mahmood claimed she was fine and drove away.
Police were called and the car was located in Princes Street, Peterborough around 20 minutes later. Officers signalled for the car to stop, but Mahmood ignored them and sped away.
During the pursuit, Mahmood told his partner that if they crashed, he would “drive into a wall on your side so you die first”. Mahmood carried out dangerous overtakes on narrow streets and came close to crashing into another vehicle.
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Officers temporarily lost sight of the Golf, but they soon found it had crashed at the junction of Park Road and Princes Street, after crashing into another car. Mahmood fled from the driver’s side of the car, but he was chased on foot by police and arrested.
The victim was taken to Peterborough City Hospital with minor injuries. Mahmood, of Huntly Grove, Peterborough, admitted false imprisonment and dangerous driving.
On July 17 at Peterborough Crown Court, he was sentenced to six years in prison. He was also disqualified from driving.
Detective Constable Joshua Crown, who investigated, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who was forcibly taken against her will and was then powerless as Mahmood put her at great risk by driving so dangerously.
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“Mahmood selfishly showed a complete disregard for her safety, the safety of other road users and the officers trying to stop him.
“Thanks to the swift actions of witnesses and responding officers, he was quickly brought into custody and has now faced the consequences of his actions.”
Damn you, sexy Mehmet! Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli has been urged to cover up with a fig leaf at least by opposing politicians (Picture: Instagram)
Is he too sexy for his shorts? A lycra-clad politician has been sacked after going viral for wearing too tight cycling gear.
Mehmet Fatih Cicekli, the governor of Ardahan province in eastern Turkey, was removed from his post by a presidential decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The cycling mad politician rode headfirst into an unexpected political maelstrom after photos of him in snug cycling shorts went viral.
He has since also become the centre of a campaign pressing for his return to office amid an outpouring of affection.
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While no reason was given for his dismissal, it came after some Turkish politicians criticised him for wearing cycling tights during a public event promoting the sport and for posting the photos on social media.
Inan Akgun Alp, a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party, accused Cicekli of allegedly prioritising social media over official duties, adding the tight attire was inappropriate for a governor.
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‘He goes around in tights, spends all day cycling, with bodyguards in front of him, cycling in tights until the evening,’ the T-24 news website quoted Alp as saying during a parliamentary debate last week. ‘A governor cannot wander around the city centre like this.’
Showing a picture to a crowd at a rally, Alp continued: ‘Such governors are unacceptable. Either remove these governors or at least send them fig leaves to wear.’
Samil Tayyar, a former legislator from Erdogan’s ruling party, which has roots in Turkey’s Islamic movement, said the attire was contrary to cultural norms, especially in a conservative, traditional province like Ardahan. He argued that other politicians wore sweatpants while cycling.
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‘People can wear whatever they want in their private lives, but a governor cannot visit the public in tights while on duty; it does not align with the seriousness of the state. In a traditional social setting like Ardahan, it is completely unacceptable,’ Tayyar wrote on X.
Cicekli, who was appointed governor in January by Erdogan, defended himself by arguing that what he wore was normal cycling attire.
‘(We will) keep pedaling. I am an athlete who practices sailing, rowing and cycling. The clothes I’m wearing are sportswear,’ T-24 quoted him as saying.
A petition campaign to try and get him reinstated has gathered more than 10,000 signatures, with supporters arguing that the governor was engaged in important work in Ardahan, promoting sports, youth activities and bicycle tourism, the opposition-leaning Halk TV reported.
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In an emotional farewell to his supporters in Ardahan on Wednesday, Cicekli said: ‘I believe that I have not let down those who vouched for me and stood by me throughout my journey until now. I believe that this is the greatest honor of all.’
Nacho Sánchez Amor, a member of the European Parliament from Spain who serves as the rapporteur on Turkey, expressed support for Cicekli and suggested Alp was promoting the ruling party’s ‘Islamist conservative agenda.’
Downing Street say the new Prime Minister will spend time there each week and that other cabinet ministers will work there on a ‘regular basis’
Andy Burnham says ‘the days of Whitehall resisting devolution are over’ as he prepares to spend his first day working at No 10 North.
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The Prime Minister will ‘throw open the doors’ to the newly-formed branch of Downing Street, to be based in Manchester, tomorrow (Friday, July 24) his office said.
He is to spend the end of his first working week in office at the new hub where he will chair the first meeting of the revived National Economic Council.
Click here for the latest on Greater Manchester’s politics in our newsletter
Currently operating from Heron House, facing Albert Square in Manchester city centre, Downing Street says No 10 North will ‘he levers of local economic growth and devolution together under one roof for the first time’ and act as a ‘new situation room for growth.’
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Mr Burnham will spend time there each week, it is said, with other ministers to work from there ‘on a regular basis.’
According to the BBC, the Education Secretary Lucy Powell, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, and Louise Haigh, who is overseeing No 10 North in her role as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, are planning to work there.
They claim at least seven former Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) employees, including four senior managers, have been recruited by Mr Burnham and already moving into the offices.
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Civil servants in Whitehall have also reportedly been offered incentives to move from London to work there.
Downing Street said the new hub means ‘decisions about the country’s economic future will no longer exclusively be made in Westminster.’
Mr Burnham said: “For 40 years, power and resources have been sucked into the centre, and too many communities have felt forgotten, without the attention and investment they deserve.
“No 10 North will change that by putting more power into every postcode across the entire country.
“It will be the situation room for making Britain better – the place we use to get power out of Westminster, into the hands of people at a local level, so that they can turn things around. The days of Whitehall resisting devolution are over, for good.”
Speaking earlier at The Hare pub in Harlow, Essex, Mr Burnham said: “Tomorrow, we’ll be meeting in Manchester in No 10 North. And whole purpose of No 10 North is to put more power into every postcode in the land, including the postcodes of Harlow.”
Ms Haigh said: “Today marks a fundamental re-balancing of where power sits in our country. No10 North has been set up to drive economic growth in every postcode and put power in the hands of every community.
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“Through this department, this Government will ensure that the places overlooked by Westminster for decades are given a real voice. No.10 North is open for business.”
The meeting comes off the back of a series of interventions made to ease the cost of living and back local high streets, setting the tone for the PM’s cost-of-living government.”
The National Economic Council, which brings together senior ministers and regional mayors, was first established during the economic crash of 2008.
Its revival, Downing Street said, ‘reflects the Prime Minister’s belief that delivering economic growth now requires the same level of urgency, focus and collective action, bringing together other government departments and local leaders.’
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