Moving powers will make more difference than moving The Lords
23/01/2020
Downtown boss Frank McKenna isn’t impressed by talk of the House of Lords moving North. He tells us why in is latest blog.
Will towns be the government’s priority?
23/01/2020
Will towns be the new driving force of the Northern Powerhouse? This week Downtown held an event with one of the leading Chief Executives in local government, Wigan’s Alison McKenzie-Folan. Jim hosted the lunch and reports on her forthright views on the cities v towns debate.
It may be the year of the North
06/01/2020
Jim says this needs to be the year when Minister’s are held to their promises on real investment and devolution for the Northern Powerhouse.
Get Powerhouse done!
17/12/2019
In his final Downtown Monthly blog for 2019, Downtown Political Editor, Jim Hancock explores what the result of the 2019 General Election might have in store.
Northern Powerhouse on Election warpath
07/11/2019
This week Jim praises the Northern Powerhouse Partnership for going on election attack over devolution. He also doubts if the false starts made by the Tories and Labour will matter much in 6 weeks time and calls for a new Tom Watson when Labour MPs get back to Westminster.
Powerhouse Progress
07/11/2019
Henri Murison, Director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, spoke to a select group of Downtown members at a special event hosted at Opera Grill in Chester city centre.
Having a gaffe
07/11/2019
This week Frank McKenna reflects on an inauspicious start to the election campaign for both main parties; comments on the Manifesto for the North; and offers support for a Conservative politician in Birmingham.
Northern Powerhouse Director speaks to Downtown audience
31/10/2019
Henri Murison, Director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, spoke to a select group of Downtown members at a special event hosted at Opera Grill in Chester city centre.
Boris deal and huge challenges for Labour
17/10/2019
As a Brexit deal is put to MPs, Jim focuses on the Labour Party. Can Jeremy Corbyn prevent a revolt of his MPs who want a deal when his leadership has just had a mighty blow from resigning MP Louise Ellman?
London, MIPIM and the HS2 effect
10/10/2019
As he prepares for a few days in London, DIB boss Frank McKenna looks ahead to property conference MIPIM UK and the impact the government’s HS2 review is having on investors.
The Northern Convention – Devo promises but no cheers for Boris
19/09/2019
DIB London chair and former MP Simon Danczuk reports his observations from last week’s convention.
HS2: Get on with it – Because we’re worth it
05/09/2019
Downtown’s message to the government is ‘Get on with it – because we’re worth it!’