In July 2019, just four days after taking office, Boris Johnson took to a podium at the Science and Industry Museum in the heart of Manchester to make a series of bold promises. As had been the case during a bombastic election campaign - which won over some of the region’s key 'red wall' constituencies - the pledges came thick and fast.
Affordable housing. Public services to support families and help the most vulnerable. Tackling crime. Better connectivity, including high speed rail between northern cities. A boost for culture. True devolution.
Then, and since, Johnson’s speeches have often been characterised by those two magical words - Levelling Up.
