A Cabinet Minister based in the Home Counties has been handed responsibility for the Northern Powerhouse.
In a controversial move which will trigger fresh questions about Boris Johnson's commitment to the initiative, Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps was given the plum role.
The Transport Secretary, a former Tory Party chairman, tweeted: “Proud to be asked by the PM to take on responsibility for Northern Powerhouse at Cabinet level.
“I’ll work tirelessly to help realise the incredible potential of the Northern Powerhouse, as part of our commitment to level up the country.”
The role has also been downgraded – previously one minister whose title was Northern Powerhouse Minister attended Cabinet with responsibility solely for the scheme.
Hatfield in Mr Shapps' Hertfordshire constituency is 186 miles from Manchester, 153 miles from Sheffield and 173 miles from Leeds.
Supporters will claim his new role demonstrates the Government's commitment to the HS2 rail project, which is set to cost £100billion and is seen as vital to energising the regional economy.
With Mr Shapps holding both jobs, allies will say he can ensure the high-speed network presses ahead at pace.
But critics will point to his southern constituency and the fact he is based in London as casting doubt on the Prime Minister's commitment to delivering election promises to former Labour voters in “Red Wall” constituencies across the North.
