Michael Gove and Lisa Nandy announced as speakers for Convention of the North 2023

• Levelling Up Secretary and Shadow Secretary of State to address annual gathering of Northern business, political and civic leaders
• Event to take place in Manchester city centre on Wednesday 25 January

The Levelling Up Secretary and Shadow Secretary of State, Michael Gove MP and Lisa Nandy MP, will deliver keynote speeches at next year’s Convention of the North in Manchester.

The Convention of the North is the region’s major annual gathering, bringing together business, political and civic leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the North. As well as key figures from the Government and Opposition, the Convention will hear from Northern Mayors, Council Leaders, leading businesspeople and representatives of the VCSE sector as the North shapes its agenda for 2023. 

Building on previous events in Rotherham, Gateshead and Liverpool, the Convention of the North 2023 will be held on Wednesday 25 January at Manchester Central. The event is being delivered by Greater Manchester alongside NP11, and is sponsored by Growth Flag (in partnership with the Growth Company and Red Flag Alert) and The University of Manchester.

Key business, political and civic leaders from across the region have been invited to attend.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Co-Chair of Convention of the North, said: “Manchester is looking forward welcoming business, political and civic leaders from across the region for next year’s Convention of the North. The event gives us a chance to showcase our fantastic city and an iconic venue in Manchester Central.

“As leaders representing millions of people, we want to have productive discussions and set out a bold agenda for addressing the things that matter most, from the cost-of-living crisis to tackling health inequalities, stimulating innovation and improving our transport network. To realise the ambitions we all share, the North needs to be empowered and supported by a sustained commitment to levelling up.”

Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL, Chair of NP11 and Co-Chair of Convention of the North, said: “With the levelling up agenda at a critical juncture, the Convention of the North provides an invaluable opportunity to assess the current situation and define priorities for the coming years. The work being done to ensure the region reaches its full potential requires a continued, open dialogue between Government and local leaders from across the North.

“Much has changed since the last Convention of the North, but our message remains the same. A levelled up North has the skills, enterprise and innovation to address some of the biggest challenges facing the country. The region can lead the green energy revolution while delivering sustainable economic growth and a competitive, global Britain.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The voice of the North has continued to grow in strength over recent years and Convention of the North 2023 will be the biggest yet. This year’s event is an opportunity for our business, political and civic leaders to come together, highlight our collective strengths, point out the things that need to improve in our region and put the North firmly on the national agenda. 

“With Michael Gove and Lisa Nandy both coming to this year’s Convention, it is clear that the North is rightly being listened to. But now is the time to come together to drive forward on what the North can do together for itself, and what it needs from Government, to deliver for UKplc as well as all our communities.”