Bernstein and Riordan to debate ‘supercity’

LOCAL GOVERNMENT chiefs Sir Howard Bernstein and Tom Riordan are appearing together in Yorkshire to discuss the future collaboration between historic rivals Manchester and Leeds.

Tomorrow’s event in Leeds, organised by lobbying group Downtown in Business, will give business leaders the chance to question the CEOs of both cities.

Held the day before the Scottish independence referendum, the event will focus on the further devolution of powers to the regions, the creation of a Northern supercity and how the two cities can work together to accelerate economic growth.

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Downtown in Business said it organised the event to allow businesses to better understand how much collaboration currently exists between the two major cities across the Pennines, following the recent raft of announcements about big infrastructure projects for the North of England.

Downtown boss Frank McKenna said: “In order to help address the North South divide, it’s vital that our great northern cities work together to deliver economic growth.

“Historical rivalries have been put to the side in favour of greater co-operation, grander ambitions and a determination to deliver.

“Sir Howard Bernstein and Tom Riordan are two of the leaders at the heart of this transformation, and they will be key architects in the future development of the whole of the North.

“We’re delighted to have them at our event and we look forward to hearing what they have to say.”

Law firm Clarion is hosting.