We are now well on the road to the Metro Mayoral elections on 4th May but what’s on offer and what will devolution really mean? Politics is changing and devolution represents a prime opportunity for Metro Mayors to lead the way, deliver big ideas and ambitions and ultimately drive inward investment and rebalance the economy outside London. The theme for Devo Question Time is “Connecting the North – HS3 and Beyond”.

Control over transport will be one of the major new mayoral powers with the ability to introduce Oyster-style smart-ticketing and, through the Bus Services Bill, to franchise particular routes. How should the arrival of HS3, the promised infrastructural backbone of the Northern Powerhouse, factor into devolved plans for a more connected North? The event will bring together commentators, candidates and opinion formers to examine how the North can achieve greater accessibility and sustainability and ensure faster, smarter transport across the region.

Confirmed speakers:

Andy Burnham MP, Labour candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor

Cllr Sean Anstee, Conservative candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor

Neil McInroy, Chief Executive of Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES)

Jon Lamonte, Chief Executive of Transport for Greater Manchester and Chair of the Urban Transport Group

Donna Hall, Chief Executive of Wigan Council

Join DevoConnect for an evening of discussion and debate with the panellists present their vision of a connected North.

The event will be followed by a drinks reception.