Spoke at the Devo Network panel about the role of devolution in driving growth, democratic renewal and long-term prosperity in the North.

The Devo Network is a professional membership group focused on devolution across England

At this panel event, attendees came together from across politics, business, academia and public affairs to discuss key issues linked to devolution.

Jo Platt said: “There has been a huge shift in politics from Westminster to the North.  Full fat devolution has the ability, if done properly, to speak to local communities and across geographical boundaries. It can drive good growth, economic renewal and democratic accountability but only if it is embedded within communities and doesn’t just stand for another layer of bureaucracy in the public minds.  That is why we need to work together with the Mayors to deliver and show the benefits of devolution and make change happen.”

Jo is passionate about driving improvements in Leigh, Atherton and beyond, but she is also Chair of the Greater Manchester APPG – a group of MPs will be regularly meeting to drive improvements within the region.

All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal, cross-party groups formed by MPs and Members of the House of Lords who share a common interest in a particular policy area, region or country. They give Members of Parliament to work together to achieve common goals.