This month marks the 5th anniversary of the Northern Powerhouse – which was set up by the Government to form part of their industrial strategy.

It has enabled representatives from across the North to get together and make an argument for better investment in the North.

From the creation of Transport for the North, to the ongoing collaborations between Local Enterprise Partnerships and the Northern Powerhouse, it has provided a means for the North to make its voice heard.

But there is still so much work to do. We have to continue making the case for the £39 billion needed for Northern Powerhouse rail, to bring the infrastructure in the north into the 21st century.

We need to continue to make the argument for investment in our schools to close the attainment gap, and we must absolutely hold the government to account on its promises to the North.