“How far north?” – Readers question London’s idea of ‘north’ as Rishi Sunak claims to move more Government jobs to the north of England

A majority of Gazette readers want to see more Government jobs in the area but challenge London’s stigma of ‘north’ saying it doesn’t end in ‘Manchester or Leeds’.
Readers question London’s idea of ‘north’ as Rishi Sunak claims to move more Government jobs to the north of EnglandReaders question London’s idea of ‘north’ as Rishi Sunak claims to move more Government jobs to the north of England
Readers question London’s idea of ‘north’ as Rishi Sunak claims to move more Government jobs to the north of England

On Sunday, February 23, the new chancellor, Rishi Sunak, claimed he would use next month’s budget to announce plans to move 1,500 staff working for the Treasury to a base in the north of England.

We asked in our Facebook poll: “Would you like to see more Government jobs move to our region?”

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More than 200 readers got involved in the online vote and 95% of them said ‘yes’ we would like to see more Government jobs in the north.

This is what readers had to say:

Dale McKenzie said: “It will mean the London Bubble will have to hear northern voices.

“But... How far north? They all think the North ends at Leeds!”

Jacqueline Nelson said: “Yes, but they need to recognise that the north does not begin and end Manchester or Leeds!”

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Elaine Mansell said: “Put it in one of the most left behind areas.”

Gary Ablett said: “Brilliant idea hopefully put it in one of the towns needing a boost somewhere like Easington Colliery.”

Ingrid Golden said: “Definitely, they think North is only as far as Leeds.

“The North East gets left out mainly Sunderland, Washington and South Shields.”

Keith Cubby said: “YES and the North of England goes right up to Berwick-on-Tweed, it doesn't stop at Manchester or Leeds!”

Hellen-marie Welch said: “But remember, Manchester is the North to them.”