Kirklees politician in major meeting to discuss future of the north

Councillor Shabir Pandor said the Convention of the North, to be held in September, would create “a powerful voice” to speak to government in the run-up to Brexit.

The convention was discussed by the leaders of councils in Leeds, Newcastle, Northumberland, Manchester and others as well as chair of Key Cities group Peter Box and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, last weekend at the Great Exhibition of the North in Newcastle.

Coun Pandor said: “The north has so much to offer and I want to ensure that Kirklees is central to developing the convention’s thinking. My role will be to ensure that we have a more prosperous Kirklees and, together, we have a confident, prosperous north.”

He added that the aim of the event was to bring together business, political and civic leaders, all acting as one voice, on the key priorities of more power for local government, transport, skills and Brexit.

The first Convention of the North will be held in Newcastle on September 6.