Prime Minister accused of ‘north first’ approach over mayoral election delay

A candidate has accused Prime Minister Andy Burnham of favouring the north over the south as pressure mounts to bring forward the region’s first mayoral election. Conservative and Labour reactionConservative mayoral candidate and current police and crime commissioner Donna Jones said Sir Keir Starmer’s failures and Mr Burnham’s “apparent indifference” to the south of England continued to hold Hampshire back. Ms Jones accused Mr Burnham of an “economically reckless north‑first approach” and said Labour’s refusal to bring forward mayoral elections meant promises of greater powers for mayors “ring hollow”. “It will allow decisions about transport, skills, housing and economic growth to be shaped by local knowledge, local priorities and a clear democratic mandate.” This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in.