20-05-2025
The Great North launched by northern mayors to boost jobs and prosperity
Northern mayors have launched a new partnership to boost jobs and prosperity.
The Great North has been unveiled at an event in Leeds, bringing together mayors and regional leaders to unlock the economic potential of the north in key sectors such as clean energy, defence, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.
The new body is chaired by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and has been backed by the government, with deputy prime minister Angela Rayner endorsing the organisation.
It aims to lead international trade missions on pan-northern investment propositions and host a new Northern Investment Summit to champion the opportunities and potential of the north's 15 million people.
Opportunities identified by the mayors include an energy coast proposition down the east coast to power the clean energy revolution, a northern security corridor reaching down from Cumbria and the North East through Lancashire, and advanced materials and manufacturing corridors bringing together Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
A new report by The Great North reveals that the north could add £118 billion to the UK economy with the right investments.
The initiative aims to provide the finance, skills and connectivity needed for the creative industries in the North to grow, draw international investment and tourism, and contribute to employment and economic development.
Cumbria does not currently have a mayor, but plans are underway for the county to have a mayoral election as early as next year following a public consultation.
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Plans for a mayor in the county have been backed by deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner as part of the government's large scale devolution plan which could see major change to local government across the country.
Candidates have yet to be announced for the Cumbrian mayoral race but it is expected that all major parties will put forward a candidate.
Plans for a mayor will have to be ratified by both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council in the autumn.
