'Next PM should devolve real power to the North to break cycle of regional divides'

And local business leaders have called for the Government to "get their house in order" as action is needed quickly to help struggling firms.

Reacting to Boris Johnson's resignation announcement, IPPR North said the country's next leader should "break the cycle" of the deep divide between different regions.

Opinion has been split on the success of the Conservative Government's 'Levelling up' policy, with some critics arguing that a decision to scrap the Northern Powerhouse Rail line, and a proposed stop in Bradford, did little to further that agenda.

Today, Zoë Billingham, director of IPPR North, said: “Westminster chaos is, once again, harming the country. Meanwhile the UK’s deep regional divides are growing and people and places are being failed.

“It’s time to break the cycle. The next Prime Minister should devolve real power and resource to regions like the North, so that progress in communities can’t be delayed or halted because of political chaos in Westminster.

“We need sustained action to power up our regions. We call on the next Prime Minister to ensure rebalancing the economy is at the heart of government’s plan and to take immediate action through legislation currently going through Parliament to commit to this agenda for the long-term”.

Business leaders in Bradford are eager to see an end to a period of political instability to restore confidence.

Mike Cartwright, Policy & Representation Executive at West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We hope today’s decision by the Prime Minister will finally bring this chapter of political instability to an end.

“Action is needed quickly to help business. We’re on limited time and the Government must reset, rethink and get their house in order and swiftly demonstrate that it is on the side of business if confidence is to be restored.

“We will continue to work with the Government to ensure vital support for business remains a priority.”