Downtown in Business will host a unique and potentially provocative Leaders Lunch next month as Lancashire business figures hear directly from the two politicians hoping to become Cheshire’s first elected mayor.
In an unusual political twist, Conservative mayoral hopeful Ben Fletcher and Labour candidate Dan Price will jointly address an audience dominated by Lancashire entrepreneurs, business leaders, and academics – outlining why, despite their political differences, they both believe devolution and elected mayors represent a huge opportunity for economic growth.
The event is expected to provide a stark contrast between the momentum building in Cheshire around a devolution settlement and the continued uncertainty surrounding Lancashire’s own devolved future.
Just a few years ago Lancashire appeared ahead of Cheshire in the devolution race. However, whilst Cheshire and Warrington moves towards a mayoral model with cross-party political backing emerging around the benefits of devolved powers, Lancashire remains stuck in debate about whether it even wants a mayor at all.
Downtown in Business believes that hesitation is increasingly frustrating the county’s business community.
DIB boss Frank McKenna said:
“This is what makes the event so interesting. Here you have two politicians from opposite ends of the political spectrum standing together in front of a Lancashire audience essentially making the same argument – that devolution works, elected mayors work, and regions that embrace change will be the regions that prosper.
“That should give Lancashire’s political leadership pause for thought.”
McKenna added that whilst political disagreements between the candidates are inevitable, there is now broad consensus across much of England that devolved powers are delivering tangible economic benefits.
“In Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire, mayors have helped drive investment, improve transport connectivity, support regeneration schemes, attract inward investment and give regions a much stronger national voice.
“The irony is that Lancashire once looked ahead of Cheshire on this agenda. Now Cheshire is preparing to elect a mayor whilst Lancashire still appears uncertain about whether it even wants to join the party.
“Meanwhile business leaders, universities and investors are becoming increasingly frustrated that the county risks being left behind.”
McKenna said Downtown in Business makes no apology for being a strong supporter of devolution.
“We are devolution champions because we believe decisions about local economies are best made locally.
“This isn’t about constitutional theory or political vanity. It is about economic competitiveness, jobs, transport, housing, skills and investment.
“The message from Cheshire’s candidates is likely to be very clear. Regions that embrace devolution will move faster and compete harder. Those that delay risk drifting into the slow lane.”
The special Leaders Lunch forms part of Downtown in Business’ wider Northern Power Towns programme, which is promoting stronger public-private sector collaboration and encouraging emerging devolved areas to seize the economic opportunities available to them.
The event takes place on Thursday 25th June at the Stanley House Hotel. To register your interest in attending the lunchtime roundtable, please CLICK HERE.
