The northern powerhouse is being shaped by a handful of powerful figures from both sides of the Pennines, from the North and from Westminster. These are the people to watch
Joe Anderson
Anderson, the directly elected mayor of Liverpool, took office in 2012 and was re-elected in May 2016. The historical antipathy between Liverpool and Manchester could have strangled the Northern Powerhouse at birth. It was down to Anderson that it didn’t, and he remains important behind the scenes. Obstacles in front of him include entrenched local politics and Merseyside’s continuing struggle to speak with a single city-region voice. Wise observers note that in December 2015 Anderson replaced Wirral leader Phil Davies as chair of the fledgling Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which cemented his position. But watch Jane Kennedy, Merseyside’s police and crime commissioner, who is a potential future rival. For now, any Northern Powerhouse initiative that hasn’t been cleared by Anderson is probably dead in the water.
Sir Howard Bernstein
Nothing moves in Manchester without SHB knowing about it. The horrific terrorist bomb that remade Manchester city centre in 1996 also remade the career of (then plain Mr) Howard Bernstein. He brilliantly took charge of the aftermath and was promoted to chief executive in 1998. His can-do approach, which appealed as strongly to his Labour bosses in Manchester as to George Osborne in London, and his activist approach to property has won him many plaudits. At some point he will retire and will be replaced. When and with whom are big unanswered questions that could affect the Northern Powerhouse’s viability. Charlie Parker, Oldham chief executive until 2013 and now chief executive at Westminster city council, could be worth backing as replacement.
Andy Burnham
MP for Leigh since 2001, the former health secretary has thrown his hat into the arena as a potential Labour candidate for directly-elected mayor of Greater Manchester (the vote will take place on 4 May 2017). Despite his national profile, it won’t be a walkover. Powerful local council leaders would probably prefer a weak mayor. Whether the mayor turns into a major figure – or merely a figurehead – will make or break the credibility of the Northern Powerhouse devolution agenda. Tony Lloyd, the current temporary incumbent, and Ivan Lewis are also expected to seek the Labour nomination. Neither threatens the council leaders in the way Burnham might.
George Osborne
Never forget that the chancellor is, in effect, a Greater Manchester MP. Winning more marginal seats around the big conurbations has long been a Conservative party objective. Using national or regional platforms to overcome entrenched Labour local councils is a tactic now 30 years old. This in part explains the Northern Powerhouse initiative the chancellor launched 21 months ago. Osborne has plenty of traction in the North (nobody is ever going to snub the chancellor of the exchequer). But whether the Northern Powerhouse initiative can outlast his influence is a moot point. If the referendum on 23 June means Brexit, he will be toast. Osborne created the powerhouse idea, and it might die with him unless a very senior replacement steps in to provide infusions of power, money, and top-level influence.
Jim McMahon
One to watch, seriously. A potential future Labour leader with years ahead of him to build a power base, and bright enough to make good use of the opportunity, McMahon is already quoted as a source of wisdom and leadership by many in the North. McMahon was elected MP for Oldham & Royton in January 2016, having been leader of Oldham council from 2011. He pioneered a radical approach to regeneration. Newly elected opposition backbenchers are not routinely deferred to, but McMahon is already treated as a big player across the North. A nod from McMahon will clear the path of many Northern Powerhouse obstacles.
Tom Riordan
In the absence of inspiring political leadership in West Yorkshire, Leeds city council’s chief executive Tom Riordan is the West Yorkshire boss-man. In 2010 he made a smooth transition from running abolished regional development agency Yorkshire Forward to the city council and has been firmly in control ever since. A former civil servant, he knows the ways of Whitehall and has been instrumental in edging the Leeds City Region slowly towards integration. Slow work, though, and it will require powerful political backing to complete the job.
John Mothersole & Julie Dore
John Mothersole was an arts development officer in Newcastle until he stepped on to the power escalator at Sheffield council in 1998. He was promoted to chief executive in 2008. Julie Dore has been the Labour leader of Sheffield council since 2011 and has a property background, first in the construction industry and then with a housing association. Their combination of political and backroom skills means Sheffield has been able to lead its city region into co-ordination faster than Merseyside, West Yorkshire and the North East. Both are well regarded players with long-term gaming strategies.
Sir Richard Leese
Leader of Labour-controlled Manchester city council since 1996, Leese promoted Sir Howard and has been happy to let him have his head. But be under no illusions: Leese is in charge. He provides the political protection Bernstein needs, both within the city’s Labour Party, in the region, and nationally, braving opposition to the devolution agenda from UK party leaders when he must. His lieutenants are not, with a few exceptions, likely to prove as adept at providing political covering fire. Leese won’t be in charge for ever, and without him the Northern Powerhouse loses some rocket fuel.
