Less than 20% of the promised levelling-up projects for England have been completed. The problem lies not only with the current government, but with the whole way the UK’s political system is set up, with its whips and Lords and not a constitution in sight.

So say Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, the mayors of Manchester and Liverpool. In a new book, they propose sweeping changes to fix this problem, from a Basic Law that guarantees equal living standards across the country to a transformed upper chamber.

Craig Gent, Novara’s new North of England Editor, speaks to them about their vision for the North and when we might see an Andy Burnham premiership. ‘Head North: A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain’ is out now.

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