George Osborne launches Northern Powerhouse thinktank

Former Chancellor George Osborne will today launch Northern Powerhouse thinktank, with support of Theresa May.

George Osborne has said he will stay in the Commons to “fight for thing things I care about”, today launching a Northern Powerhouse thinktank, just months after being sacked by the Prime Minister.

Admitting that Theresa May had a “wobble” over the future of the Northern Powerhouse, Osborne said the project will be his “major focus”, with Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, saying the thinktank will form an “important part” of the devolution debate.

May was immediately critical of the narrow focus on two major cities – Manchester and Liverpool, voicing reservations around the plans.

No 10 says Mrs May is now building on his plan to create a northern economy to rival London and the South East.

Mr Osborne said: “When I launched the idea of Northern Powerhouse I said I would work tirelessly with anyone and everyone to make it a reality.

“But even I have been taken aback by the huge support it’s attracted, across political parties, businesses and communities.

“There’s a real excitement now in the north about what we can achieve if we work together.  I don’t want us to lose that.

“That’s why I’m so pleased major businesses, civic leaders and others have worked with me to create this new Northern Powerhouse Partnership. I’m also glad that the government has given its support.”

The organisation who will be running the project will be made up of business figures from across the north of England, as well political figures to ensure city leaders are represented, with the aim to devolve powers and funds to northern city regions, improve transport links and create new regional mayors to act as figureheads.

Mr Osborne also backed the Hinkley Point deal, saying that Mrs May had made a “strong start” and was “perfectly entitled to set the tone” of her administration, including “to take a pause and consider” big decisions like whether to go ahead with the £18bn Hinkley Point nuclear power station.

According to crossbench peer Lord Kerslake, Chair of the Northern Powerhouse advisory board, the direction in which Theresa May’s government wants to take the Northern Powerhouse “remains unclear” and Mr Osborne wants to “hold the new government’s feet to the fire”.

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