The upcoming general election presents a unique challenge, with the north of England becoming a focal point for political success. Traditional campaigning strategies may not suffice, requiring a radical rethinking of growth strategies to be more inclusive of northern interests. There's urgency for Labour leaders to craft a persuasive story of renewal before the next spending review. The potential for re-industrialization exists, supported by a strong devolution framework. This pivotal moment requires collaboration between political and business leaders to deliver tangible results and reshape the narrative around progress in the north.
By my reckoning, Labour mayors and ministers have three months in which to write that new story for the north so that it can be signed off at the spending review in June and delivered over the rest of this parliament.
Yet UK politics still, at times, seems frustratingly stuck in decades-old default positions.
This is a colossal challenge but I am confident we can rise to it starting today with political and business leaders gathering in Preston for the sixth Convention of the North.
The north is already in a unique position. With a set of devolution arrangements covering more than 80% of the population, rising to 90% in May 2026.
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