Political leaders across the North of England are championing a bold proposal to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2040 through a pioneering multi-city bid. They argue this ambitious plan represents precisely what Britain requires at this moment to address regional disparities and stimulate economic growth outside the capital.
Urgent Call for Government Support
In a significant move, eleven northern leaders have formally written to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, urging the government to endorse a multi-city Olympic Games spanning a vast region with a population exceeding 15 million people. They contend that hosting such a global event would serve as a transformative, once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate regeneration, rebalance the national economy, and reshape international perceptions of England beyond London.
A Question of Fairness and National Strategy
The push for a northern bid comes in direct response to London Mayor Sadiq Khan's expressed desire last year for the capital to host the 2040 Olympics, which would mark its fourth time as host city. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, stated unequivocally that it "wouldn't be fair or right" for London to host again, emphasising that a northern bid is "what Britain needs right now."
This sentiment is strongly echoed by sporting legend Sir Brendan Foster, former 3,000m world record holder and founder of the Great North Run. He advocates for a "fairer distribution of major international sporting events across the country," arguing that while iconic events like Wimbledon and the London Marathon are celebrated in the capital, government financing for hosting global events should be guided by a balanced national approach.
Political Momentum and Strategic Timing
Northern mayors believe the timing is strategically favourable for a 2040 bid, particularly as the International Olympic Committee has recently prioritised a shift towards multi-city, more sustainable event models. Furthermore, they perceive potential political benefits for Labour leader Keir Starmer, whose party currently trails Nigel Farage's Reform UK by an average of ten points in polls within traditional Labour heartlands across the north.
While Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, the MP for Wigan, has made distributing cultural events across the UK a key priority, her department remained non-committal on Sunday regarding backing the northern proposal. A spokesperson indicated that such a decision ultimately rests with the British Olympic Association.
Beyond Sport: A Legacy of Opportunity
The campaign frames the bid as about far more than just sport. Luke Campbell, the Reform UK Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire and a former Olympic boxing champion, shared his personal experience, stating that winning gold at London 2012 was among his proudest moments, uniting the country. He passionately argued that "bringing the Olympics to the north isn't just about sport. It's about giving our kids something to aim for, creating real opportunities and showing the world what this part of the country has to offer."
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, framed it as a "once-in-a-lifetime chance to bring the Olympics closer to ordinary communities that have too often felt like they've been left out of the national story." Leaders highlight the region's rich sporting heritage—including Sheffield, the home of football where the original rules were codified in 1858—coupled with existing elite venues as compelling assets for an ideal host region.
Learning from London's Complex Legacy
Should the northern bid prove successful, political leaders have pledged to meticulously avoid the complex and costly legacy associated with the London 2012 Games. The London Olympics ultimately cost nearly £8.8 billion, a figure almost triple the original £2.4 billion budget, and significantly accelerated the gentrification of surrounding neighbourhoods. Recent 2024 research has described the London Games as a "cautionary tale" for local communities, a lesson northern organisers are determined to heed.
The collective vision presented is clear: a northern Olympic Games would not merely be a sporting spectacle but a strategic catalyst for long-term regional development, social inclusion, and a rebalanced national narrative, firmly placing the North of England at the heart of Britain's future story.
