M
Member
Speaking in the House of Lords on 9 February 2026
Debate
English Devolution and Community Empowerment BillContribution
The motivation behind the 2016 Act was, in essence, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer’s support for devo Manchester as a way to kick-start the economy in the north-west and hopefully set a pattern for the rest of the country. However, the legislation was passed, Mr Osborne left office, and the Whitehall appetite for devolution evaporated alongside his departure. Only Manchester benefited, in essence.
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