Political Economy of Manchesterism

ABSTRACT

This paper presents an intellectual history of Manchesterism. It explains the ruling ideas that have shaped the recent development of Greater Manchester and critically assesses their application. It pays particular attention to the evolution of inequality in Greater Manchester and how Manchesterism has evolved to address the problem of ‘left behind places’. The paper suggests policy shifts to address the limits of Manchesterism, some of which are implied the version of it that Andy Burnham hopes to take with him to 10 Downing Street.