Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has launched a blistering attack on the government's approach to English devolution, accusing levelling up secretary James Cleverly of offering a 'dumbed down' version of powers for regional mayors.
The fiery exchange in the House of Commons saw Rayner, also the levelling up shadow secretary, condemn what she described as the government's 'patronising' attitude towards northern communities. The clash comes amid ongoing debates about the distribution of power away from Westminster.
A Heated Parliamentary Exchange
During questions to the levelling up secretary, Rayner did not hold back, stating: 'It seems that the government is only prepared to devolve power if it can do so on the cheap and if it can do so by dumbing down devolution.'
She pointedly added that northerners 'don't need a pat on the head from the Conservatives' and demanded meaningful power transfers rather than what she characterised as superficial gestures.
Cleverly's Defence and Counterattack
James Cleverly hit back, dismissing Rayner's criticism and highlighting the government's record on devolution. He pointed to the 13 devolution deals currently in place across England, covering approximately 41% of the population.
The cabinet minister emphasised that these deals were 'not about moving power from one building to another' but about ensuring local leaders have the tools to drive economic growth and improve local services.
The Growing North-South Divide in Politics
This confrontation highlights the increasingly contentious debate around regional inequality and political power distribution in England. The government's 'levelling up' agenda, once a flagship policy, has faced mounting criticism from opposition parties and northern leaders who argue it has failed to deliver meaningful change.
The exchange also underscores the political significance of northern constituencies, where both major parties are fiercely competing for support ahead of the next general election.
