Marcus Johns
@cllrmarcus.bsky.social
Labour Co-op Councillor for Deansgate in Manchester City Centre 🐝 Chair of Economy & Regeneration. Senior Researcher at the Fabian Society 🌹 Views all mine!
Reposted by Marcus Johns
Many lessons from devolved governance in different countries:
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
🇪🇺 What can Europe teach us about devolution?
By international standards, the UK is highly centralised, causing regional inequality in productivity, income and health.
This collection of essays looks to our European neighbours to explore what works and what doesn’t 🧵
By international standards, the UK is highly centralised, causing regional inequality in productivity, income and health.
This collection of essays looks to our European neighbours to explore what works and what doesn’t 🧵
January 22, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Many lessons from devolved governance in different countries:
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
1. Devolving is hard (eg France)
2. Coordination and respect are vital (eg Italy)
3. Fiscal devolution is essential (eg Germany)
The Devolution Bill is England's chance to do this properly.
Reposted by Marcus Johns
📢 New Year Conference: Renewing Britain
PLUS... A very special guest keynote speaker. 👀
Want to know who it is? Get your ticket and find out on Saturday 24 January!
PLUS... A very special guest keynote speaker. 👀
Want to know who it is? Get your ticket and find out on Saturday 24 January!
January 5, 2026 at 4:39 PM
📢 New Year Conference: Renewing Britain
PLUS... A very special guest keynote speaker. 👀
Want to know who it is? Get your ticket and find out on Saturday 24 January!
PLUS... A very special guest keynote speaker. 👀
Want to know who it is? Get your ticket and find out on Saturday 24 January!
Reposted by Marcus Johns
This is really good news - and timely after I pushed again at Economy and Regen Scrutiny for @mancitycouncil.bsky.social to have greater powers to tackle pavement parking.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@cllrmarcus.bsky.social
@manchesterlabour.bsky.social
@jeffsmithmp.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@cllrmarcus.bsky.social
@manchesterlabour.bsky.social
@jeffsmithmp.bsky.social
New powers for councils in England to fine pavement parkers
Councils will be able to take action against those creating
www.bbc.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 2:56 PM
This is really good news - and timely after I pushed again at Economy and Regen Scrutiny for @mancitycouncil.bsky.social to have greater powers to tackle pavement parking.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@cllrmarcus.bsky.social
@manchesterlabour.bsky.social
@jeffsmithmp.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@cllrmarcus.bsky.social
@manchesterlabour.bsky.social
@jeffsmithmp.bsky.social
This evening the Deansgate Labour team have been asking residents in Castlefield how they want Manchester City Council to invest the extra funding that our Government is allocating to Manchester.
December 17, 2025 at 8:43 PM
This evening the Deansgate Labour team have been asking residents in Castlefield how they want Manchester City Council to invest the extra funding that our Government is allocating to Manchester.
Reposted by Marcus Johns
New paper out today: How can we provide income security for the self-employed?
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
December 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
New paper out today: How can we provide income security for the self-employed?
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
Pleasure to work with @communityunion.bsky.social @prospectunion.bsky.social @bectu.bsky.social
This paper sets out potential solutions for this vital group of people
Reposted by Marcus Johns
Jeevun Sandher MP spoke on the BBC to say "I am really proud about the fact that the way I look has never made me feel any less British". He said that is not what Nigel Farage believed as a school child. It is not what Sarah Pochin believes today.
x.com/JeevunSandhe...
x.com/JeevunSandhe...
December 7, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Jeevun Sandher MP spoke on the BBC to say "I am really proud about the fact that the way I look has never made me feel any less British". He said that is not what Nigel Farage believed as a school child. It is not what Sarah Pochin believes today.
x.com/JeevunSandhe...
x.com/JeevunSandhe...
Reposted by Marcus Johns
2024 was quite a year for Manchester. From world class events, more jobs and a record number of council homes built.
Here’s to making Manchester an even better city. The best place to grow up and get on- where everyone benefits from our growth.
Here’s to making Manchester an even better city. The best place to grow up and get on- where everyone benefits from our growth.
December 31, 2024 at 7:08 PM
2024 was quite a year for Manchester. From world class events, more jobs and a record number of council homes built.
Here’s to making Manchester an even better city. The best place to grow up and get on- where everyone benefits from our growth.
Here’s to making Manchester an even better city. The best place to grow up and get on- where everyone benefits from our growth.
Reposted by Marcus Johns
The Sea Wall matters to Labour
They are looking to Reform, but the government can win them back
There should be a relentless focus on the cost of living
But the Gov needs to show the country values the contribution that coastal communities make
Read my column for @labourlist.bsky.social 👇
They are looking to Reform, but the government can win them back
There should be a relentless focus on the cost of living
But the Gov needs to show the country values the contribution that coastal communities make
Read my column for @labourlist.bsky.social 👇
December 1, 2025 at 10:14 AM
The Sea Wall matters to Labour
They are looking to Reform, but the government can win them back
There should be a relentless focus on the cost of living
But the Gov needs to show the country values the contribution that coastal communities make
Read my column for @labourlist.bsky.social 👇
They are looking to Reform, but the government can win them back
There should be a relentless focus on the cost of living
But the Gov needs to show the country values the contribution that coastal communities make
Read my column for @labourlist.bsky.social 👇
Reposted by Marcus Johns
“This is a strong budget, grounded in Labour values.”
Our General Secretary, @joedromey.bsky.social welcomes the budget and the Chancellor’s commitment to lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.
Our General Secretary, @joedromey.bsky.social welcomes the budget and the Chancellor’s commitment to lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.
November 26, 2025 at 4:10 PM
“This is a strong budget, grounded in Labour values.”
Our General Secretary, @joedromey.bsky.social welcomes the budget and the Chancellor’s commitment to lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.
Our General Secretary, @joedromey.bsky.social welcomes the budget and the Chancellor’s commitment to lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.
Today I have started my new role as a Senior Researcher at @thefabians.bsky.social
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
November 24, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Today I have started my new role as a Senior Researcher at @thefabians.bsky.social
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
Happy to help you! It was not right and I'm glad it's now been postponed.
Thanks for being such a great spot for getting a drink in town!
Thanks for being such a great spot for getting a drink in town!
🎉 Great news - the power cut planned for worst time of yr is cancelled!
Manchester is the best - we show up for each other 💛🙌
Huge thanks to
@lucympowell.bsky.social
@bevcraig.bsky.social
@joand7.bsky.social
@cllrmarcus.bsky.social
@sacha-lord.bsky.social
@manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Anthony McCaul
Manchester is the best - we show up for each other 💛🙌
Huge thanks to
@lucympowell.bsky.social
@bevcraig.bsky.social
@joand7.bsky.social
@cllrmarcus.bsky.social
@sacha-lord.bsky.social
@manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Anthony McCaul
November 19, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Happy to help you! It was not right and I'm glad it's now been postponed.
Thanks for being such a great spot for getting a drink in town!
Thanks for being such a great spot for getting a drink in town!
Reposted by Marcus Johns
🎟️ Your new all-access consumer protection just dropped ✨
The Government is announcing today that ticket resellers will be BANNED from selling tickets above face value.
We've been backing music fans and we'll see you on the barrier for these brand new protections 🫶
The Government is announcing today that ticket resellers will be BANNED from selling tickets above face value.
We've been backing music fans and we'll see you on the barrier for these brand new protections 🫶
November 19, 2025 at 2:20 PM
🎟️ Your new all-access consumer protection just dropped ✨
The Government is announcing today that ticket resellers will be BANNED from selling tickets above face value.
We've been backing music fans and we'll see you on the barrier for these brand new protections 🫶
The Government is announcing today that ticket resellers will be BANNED from selling tickets above face value.
We've been backing music fans and we'll see you on the barrier for these brand new protections 🫶
Today is Economy & Regeneration Committee at @ManCityCouncil.
We’ll discuss:
🏬 the district centres programme including Chorlton, Wythenshawe Civic & Moston
🏗️ Victoria North & North Manchester General Hospital regeneration
🏚️ the strategy to deal with stubbornly empty homes.
We’ll discuss:
🏬 the district centres programme including Chorlton, Wythenshawe Civic & Moston
🏗️ Victoria North & North Manchester General Hospital regeneration
🏚️ the strategy to deal with stubbornly empty homes.
November 4, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Today is Economy & Regeneration Committee at @ManCityCouncil.
We’ll discuss:
🏬 the district centres programme including Chorlton, Wythenshawe Civic & Moston
🏗️ Victoria North & North Manchester General Hospital regeneration
🏚️ the strategy to deal with stubbornly empty homes.
We’ll discuss:
🏬 the district centres programme including Chorlton, Wythenshawe Civic & Moston
🏗️ Victoria North & North Manchester General Hospital regeneration
🏚️ the strategy to deal with stubbornly empty homes.
The new Sainsbury’s Local on Deansgate, serving Castlefield is now open.
Often when the new homes we need are built, residents ask us: Are we building the shops, schools, and doctors too? And the answer is is YES!
We campaign for those things across the city centre.
Often when the new homes we need are built, residents ask us: Are we building the shops, schools, and doctors too? And the answer is is YES!
We campaign for those things across the city centre.
October 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The new Sainsbury’s Local on Deansgate, serving Castlefield is now open.
Often when the new homes we need are built, residents ask us: Are we building the shops, schools, and doctors too? And the answer is is YES!
We campaign for those things across the city centre.
Often when the new homes we need are built, residents ask us: Are we building the shops, schools, and doctors too? And the answer is is YES!
We campaign for those things across the city centre.
Its Economy & Regeneration day at @mancitycouncil.bsky.social. We’ll discuss:
🌆 Core Cities’ work, including how cities are recovering economically post pandemic
🌃 Greater Manchester CA’s economic strategy & policies, & how these support Manchester
🏙️ Manchester’s economic success in recent years.
🌆 Core Cities’ work, including how cities are recovering economically post pandemic
🌃 Greater Manchester CA’s economic strategy & policies, & how these support Manchester
🏙️ Manchester’s economic success in recent years.
June 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Its Economy & Regeneration day at @mancitycouncil.bsky.social. We’ll discuss:
🌆 Core Cities’ work, including how cities are recovering economically post pandemic
🌃 Greater Manchester CA’s economic strategy & policies, & how these support Manchester
🏙️ Manchester’s economic success in recent years.
🌆 Core Cities’ work, including how cities are recovering economically post pandemic
🌃 Greater Manchester CA’s economic strategy & policies, & how these support Manchester
🏙️ Manchester’s economic success in recent years.
Reposted by Marcus Johns
Wrote this piece with @cllrmarcus.bsky.social and @angelikistg.bsky.social about the importance of community ownership, following the motion we passed at Council earlier this year.
@manchesterlabour.bsky.social
@manchesterlabour.bsky.social
"We have seen in the recent local elections that those who feel powerless can turn to populism. Giving our communities a greater sense of power and ownership can help stem that rising tide."
✏️ Cllr Marcus Johns, Cllr Chris Wills, Cllr Angeliki Stogia
✏️ Cllr Marcus Johns, Cllr Chris Wills, Cllr Angeliki Stogia
June 17, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Wrote this piece with @cllrmarcus.bsky.social and @angelikistg.bsky.social about the importance of community ownership, following the motion we passed at Council earlier this year.
@manchesterlabour.bsky.social
@manchesterlabour.bsky.social
Out and about today with some helpers, talking to city centre residents about how @manchesterlabour.bsky.social is building more affordable housing, investing in cleaner streets, and how the government is advancing renters and leaseholders’ rights 🏡 🏗️ 🏘️
June 14, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Out and about today with some helpers, talking to city centre residents about how @manchesterlabour.bsky.social is building more affordable housing, investing in cleaner streets, and how the government is advancing renters and leaseholders’ rights 🏡 🏗️ 🏘️
Reposted by Marcus Johns
Today we lay bare a decade of broken promises as we reveal how the disparity in transport spending between the North & London has ballooned
If the North had seen the same transport investment as London under the previous government, it would have received £140bn more
If the North had seen the same transport investment as London under the previous government, it would have received £140bn more
June 9, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Today we lay bare a decade of broken promises as we reveal how the disparity in transport spending between the North & London has ballooned
If the North had seen the same transport investment as London under the previous government, it would have received £140bn more
If the North had seen the same transport investment as London under the previous government, it would have received £140bn more
Reposted by Marcus Johns
Analysis by @ipprnorth.bsky.social reveals the £140bn transport investment gap between the North and London over the last 14yrs.
Long term investment in the North’s rail network, integrated with local transport & house building plans, is key to improving connectivity and boosting prosperity.
Long term investment in the North’s rail network, integrated with local transport & house building plans, is key to improving connectivity and boosting prosperity.
The £140bn chasm that shows how the North has suffered in 'a decade of deceit'
The North got £140bn less than London for transport over 14 years
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
June 9, 2025 at 5:56 AM
Analysis by @ipprnorth.bsky.social reveals the £140bn transport investment gap between the North and London over the last 14yrs.
Long term investment in the North’s rail network, integrated with local transport & house building plans, is key to improving connectivity and boosting prosperity.
Long term investment in the North’s rail network, integrated with local transport & house building plans, is key to improving connectivity and boosting prosperity.
Had a useful site meeting with Network Rail today talking about the railways that criss cross the city centre.
We discussed the remains of the old Roman Fort’s eastern wall, tucked away in Castlefield. I would love to see more made of the history of the wall!
We discussed the remains of the old Roman Fort’s eastern wall, tucked away in Castlefield. I would love to see more made of the history of the wall!
June 4, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Had a useful site meeting with Network Rail today talking about the railways that criss cross the city centre.
We discussed the remains of the old Roman Fort’s eastern wall, tucked away in Castlefield. I would love to see more made of the history of the wall!
We discussed the remains of the old Roman Fort’s eastern wall, tucked away in Castlefield. I would love to see more made of the history of the wall!
Reposted by Marcus Johns
Good to be out this morning in Deansgate ward with @bevcraig.bsky.social and ward members @joand7.bsky.social @cllrmarcus.bsky.social & Anthony McCaul looking at issues right across this important city centre ward
#localgov #Manchester
#localgov #Manchester
June 4, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Good to be out this morning in Deansgate ward with @bevcraig.bsky.social and ward members @joand7.bsky.social @cllrmarcus.bsky.social & Anthony McCaul looking at issues right across this important city centre ward
#localgov #Manchester
#localgov #Manchester
Reposted by Marcus Johns
In this #GAevent, we'll unpack the #SpendingReview's implications for the UK's transport system.
Speakers:
🔸 @sophieoconnell.bsky.social , Green Alliance
🔸 Silviya Barrett, @bettertransport.bsky.social
🔸 @cllrmarcus.bsky.social , @ipprnorth.bsky.social
🔸 Dan Simpson, @sustrans.bksy.social
More ⬇️
Speakers:
🔸 @sophieoconnell.bsky.social , Green Alliance
🔸 Silviya Barrett, @bettertransport.bsky.social
🔸 @cllrmarcus.bsky.social , @ipprnorth.bsky.social
🔸 Dan Simpson, @sustrans.bksy.social
More ⬇️
On the right track? Transport and the 2025 spending review
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment
buff.ly
May 28, 2025 at 10:58 AM
In this #GAevent, we'll unpack the #SpendingReview's implications for the UK's transport system.
Speakers:
🔸 @sophieoconnell.bsky.social , Green Alliance
🔸 Silviya Barrett, @bettertransport.bsky.social
🔸 @cllrmarcus.bsky.social , @ipprnorth.bsky.social
🔸 Dan Simpson, @sustrans.bksy.social
More ⬇️
Speakers:
🔸 @sophieoconnell.bsky.social , Green Alliance
🔸 Silviya Barrett, @bettertransport.bsky.social
🔸 @cllrmarcus.bsky.social , @ipprnorth.bsky.social
🔸 Dan Simpson, @sustrans.bksy.social
More ⬇️
Reposted by Marcus Johns
Northern Appraisal Playbook launched:
"...securing investment in the North is often held back by an appraisal process that does not fully capture all the benefits - especially wider economic, social, and environmental impacts. We've developed this playbook to help you overcome these challenges..."
"...securing investment in the North is often held back by an appraisal process that does not fully capture all the benefits - especially wider economic, social, and environmental impacts. We've developed this playbook to help you overcome these challenges..."
Strengthening the case for investment in the North - Transport for the North
Today, Transport for the North (TfN) has published the latest findings from our Northern Appraisal Playbook, complete with advice and tools to help boost transport investment across the North. The ful...
www.transportforthenorth.com
May 29, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Northern Appraisal Playbook launched:
"...securing investment in the North is often held back by an appraisal process that does not fully capture all the benefits - especially wider economic, social, and environmental impacts. We've developed this playbook to help you overcome these challenges..."
"...securing investment in the North is often held back by an appraisal process that does not fully capture all the benefits - especially wider economic, social, and environmental impacts. We've developed this playbook to help you overcome these challenges..."
Reposted by Marcus Johns
In this online #GAevent, we'll unpack what the outcomes of the #SpendingReview mean for the UK's transport system.
Speakers:
🔸 @sophieoconnell.bsky.social , Green Alliance
🔸 Silviya Barrett, @bettertransport.bsky.social
🔸 @cllrmarcus.bsky.social , @ipprnorth.bsky.social
Register ⬇️
Speakers:
🔸 @sophieoconnell.bsky.social , Green Alliance
🔸 Silviya Barrett, @bettertransport.bsky.social
🔸 @cllrmarcus.bsky.social , @ipprnorth.bsky.social
Register ⬇️
On the right track? Transport and the 2025 spending review
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment
buff.ly
May 22, 2025 at 11:29 AM
In this online #GAevent, we'll unpack what the outcomes of the #SpendingReview mean for the UK's transport system.
Speakers:
🔸 @sophieoconnell.bsky.social , Green Alliance
🔸 Silviya Barrett, @bettertransport.bsky.social
🔸 @cllrmarcus.bsky.social , @ipprnorth.bsky.social
Register ⬇️
Speakers:
🔸 @sophieoconnell.bsky.social , Green Alliance
🔸 Silviya Barrett, @bettertransport.bsky.social
🔸 @cllrmarcus.bsky.social , @ipprnorth.bsky.social
Register ⬇️