Liam Booth-Smith statement on resignation of Lord Jim O’Neill
Commenting on the resignation of Lord Jim O’Neill from the Government, Liam Booth-Smith, Chief Executive of Localis, said:
“Lord Jim O’Neill’s resignation from the Treasury is unfortunate as it will undoubtedly raise questions about Theresa May’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse agenda, but I’d caution against over interpreting what this means. Government has still made all the right noises about devolution, and Theresa May personally has committed to seeing the devolution agenda through.
Whilst it’s a shame to lose someone so committed to devolution, it provides an opportunity for the Government to refresh its approach and send the message that it remains committed to devolving power and ensuring economic growth benefits communities across the UK.
Jim O’Neill will now be able to provide fresh scrutiny of the Government’s progress on the Northern Powerhouse agenda, and alongside his former boss George Osborne, make the case for greater devolution, free of ministerial constraint. The tendency will be to see the resignation as a setback for the Northern Powerhouse, but I think it could actually give it a new lease of life.”