It is good to see that St Helens has been invited to develop proposals for the Towns Fund which could see an investment of up to £25 million in transport, digital, skills and culture in the borough.

Alongside St Helens Council, I have worked constructively with Ministers in the Department of Housing, Communities & Local Government to increase recognition of the rich history and future potential of our Northern towns, and to ensure that St Helens was included in this funding round and the future development of the Northern Powerhouse.

Boosting growth and regeneration has always been one of my top priorities. We have suffered almost a decade of cuts to public services, and this funding won’t undo that. It’s clear that we now need a proper Northern Budget for infrastructure and services.

But this is a step forward. I am keen to see the development of these proposals and St Helens borough starting to receive the investment it deserves which help make us the best place to live, work and visit in the North West.