The launch of a Manifesto for the North by the Convention of the North and Northern Powerhouse body NP11, which was on the front page of all the local newspapers across the region, is testimony to the fact that the North won’t accept any more broken promises, but demands action from the next Government.

The UK is the most centralised country in Europe. For too long, too much power has been hoarded in Westminster. This has had a profound economic, social and political impact. It puts the North at a competitive disadvantage and doesn’t benefit Londoners either. Whichever party emerges as the winner on 13 December should prioritise rebalancing our national economy – creating a country that works for everyone.