Tory rebel Andrew Percy handed Northern Powerhouse role

Criticism that the out-going minister was not high profile enough to act as a figurehead and fighter on Northern issues should now be put to one side, according to Ed Cox, the director of think-tank IPPR North.

The role should be about lobbying and pushing forward an agenda wihin the Department for Local Government and Communities and the wider Government so that the position can be as effective as possible.

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Mr Cox said: “With a population of 15 million and an economy worth over £300 billion the North needs as much ministerial attention as it can get.

“It is inevitable the Treasury and the big cities are going to drive this agenda but having a minister for the Northern Powerhouse is important in trying to galvanise action across government and also speaking up for the places that don’t necessarily get much attention and yet play a vital economic role.

“At times it felt James Wharton did not have the profile that was needed, but in many ways what is needed is someone stitching things together behind the scenes rather than jostling for position on the Powerhouse podium.”

Mr Wharton, MP for Stockton South, was given the role of Northern Powerhouse minister within the Department for Communities and Local Government by George Osborne in May 2015. At just 31, he was one of the youngest ministers in Government.

During his 12 months he and the Treasury oversaw the roll out of devolution deals in Sheffield and Teesside and has now been moved to be a minister in the Department for International Development.

Serial Tory rebel Mr Percy, a former teacher who represents the Brigg and Goole was appointed on Sunday and his colleagues in Yorkshire are delighted that the northern brief is continuing as it is very much a hang-over from ex-Chancellor George Osborne’s time in power.

Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP for Pudsey, said: “Andrew’s a great advocate for the region.

“Everybody felt that the Northern Powerhouse role was important and it was one that needed to stay because it’s crucial if we are going to make a success of the whole idea.”

MP for Thirsk and Malton, Kevin Hollinrake, said he would like Hull-born Mr Percy to focus on tranpsort and to push for better roads between York and Harrogate and the rest of East Yorkshire.

Describing him as a straight-talker who does not suffer fools, he said: “He is very knowledgable and very professional.”

He added that while Mr Percy will take an interest in Yorkshire’s ongoing devolution wrangle, it is not for him to impose a structure from the top down. Councils must come forward with a proposal.