JP Spencer
@jpspencer.bsky.social
Economist. Author at Future North writing about the North of England (link below). Devolution Policy, Labour Together.
Posts about policy, politics and the Pennines (and beyond).
📍 West Yorkshire.
🧭 futurenorth.substack.com
Posts about policy, politics and the Pennines (and beyond).
📍 West Yorkshire.
🧭 futurenorth.substack.com
Pinned
If the tech sector today signals the economy of tomorrow, then it is important to understand its regional impact. The data below shows some signs of optimism for the North – but also reasons to worry.
Image prompt: ‘Artificial Intelligence in the North of England’.
🧵👇
1/9
Image prompt: ‘Artificial Intelligence in the North of England’.
🧵👇
1/9
Reposted by JP Spencer
Woof - record demand today at an auction of conventional gilts.
Investors placed bids worth 3.94 times the £3.75 billion pounds of gilts due in 2031 offered today.
Highest such ratio since Debt Management Office records began in 1998.
DMO staff said to be considering half pint of shandy at lunch.
Investors placed bids worth 3.94 times the £3.75 billion pounds of gilts due in 2031 offered today.
Highest such ratio since Debt Management Office records began in 1998.
DMO staff said to be considering half pint of shandy at lunch.
February 10, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Woof - record demand today at an auction of conventional gilts.
Investors placed bids worth 3.94 times the £3.75 billion pounds of gilts due in 2031 offered today.
Highest such ratio since Debt Management Office records began in 1998.
DMO staff said to be considering half pint of shandy at lunch.
Investors placed bids worth 3.94 times the £3.75 billion pounds of gilts due in 2031 offered today.
Highest such ratio since Debt Management Office records began in 1998.
DMO staff said to be considering half pint of shandy at lunch.
Reposted by JP Spencer
On AI businesses, there is a clear concentration in the Greater South East. This is no surprise – and it is great that London is an international AI centre – but what can we do to encourage business growth elsewhere? There are some success stories to build on at least.
6/9
6/9
February 5, 2026 at 5:11 PM
On AI businesses, there is a clear concentration in the Greater South East. This is no surprise – and it is great that London is an international AI centre – but what can we do to encourage business growth elsewhere? There are some success stories to build on at least.
6/9
6/9
Reposted by JP Spencer
North of England 2040? Andy Burnham backs plan for multi-city Olympics bid
North of England 2040? Andy Burnham backs plan for multi-city Olympics bid
Northern leaders urge government to support proposal as Manchester mayor says a London bid ‘wouldn’t be right’
The north of England is seeking to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games to boost a region “left out of the national story”.
Northern leaders have written to the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, urging the government to back a multi-city games spanning an area with a population of 15 million people. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:10 PM
North of England 2040? Andy Burnham backs plan for multi-city Olympics bid
Reposted by JP Spencer
I expected AI usage to differ across regions - but the gaps were even bigger than I expected.
67% in London versus 32% in the North East in 2024.
Find out more about regional tech and AI trends below. 👇
67% in London versus 32% in the North East in 2024.
Find out more about regional tech and AI trends below. 👇
And on uptake of AI by existing businesses, some The Productivity Institute analysis shows that parts of the North have the lowest uptake by businesses in the country.
(cc. @andywestwood.bsky.social)
7/9
(cc. @andywestwood.bsky.social)
7/9
February 7, 2026 at 1:48 PM
I expected AI usage to differ across regions - but the gaps were even bigger than I expected.
67% in London versus 32% in the North East in 2024.
Find out more about regional tech and AI trends below. 👇
67% in London versus 32% in the North East in 2024.
Find out more about regional tech and AI trends below. 👇
Reposted by JP Spencer
Swimming in Windermere, sailors on the Mersey? Mayors want Britain to bid for the 2036 Games and host them in Manchester, Liverpool and other northern cities
Move over, London, the north is coming for UK’s Olympic bid
www.thetimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Swimming in Windermere, sailors on the Mersey? Mayors want Britain to bid for the 2036 Games and host them in Manchester, Liverpool and other northern cities
I expected AI usage to differ across regions - but the gaps were even bigger than I expected.
67% in London versus 32% in the North East in 2024.
Find out more about regional tech and AI trends below. 👇
67% in London versus 32% in the North East in 2024.
Find out more about regional tech and AI trends below. 👇
And on uptake of AI by existing businesses, some The Productivity Institute analysis shows that parts of the North have the lowest uptake by businesses in the country.
(cc. @andywestwood.bsky.social)
7/9
(cc. @andywestwood.bsky.social)
7/9
February 7, 2026 at 1:48 PM
I expected AI usage to differ across regions - but the gaps were even bigger than I expected.
67% in London versus 32% in the North East in 2024.
Find out more about regional tech and AI trends below. 👇
67% in London versus 32% in the North East in 2024.
Find out more about regional tech and AI trends below. 👇
Reposted by JP Spencer
For civil servants and policy wonks. 40% reduction to be welcomed
The government have just published the new 'Green Book' - the guidance by which civil servants assess different projects.
HMT have done a great job to not just build in the recommendations on regional appraisal from the recent review, but also cut the length by 40%!
www.gov.uk/government/n...
HMT have done a great job to not just build in the recommendations on regional appraisal from the recent review, but also cut the length by 40%!
www.gov.uk/government/n...
New Green Book to ensure that investment in all parts of the UK given a "fair hearing"
New guidance will support fairer and more balanced decisions on investment in every part of the country.
www.gov.uk
February 6, 2026 at 9:55 AM
For civil servants and policy wonks. 40% reduction to be welcomed
Reposted by JP Spencer
If the tech sector today signals the economy of tomorrow, then it is important to understand its regional impact. The data below shows some signs of optimism for the North – but also reasons to worry.
Image prompt: ‘Artificial Intelligence in the North of England’.
🧵👇
1/9
Image prompt: ‘Artificial Intelligence in the North of England’.
🧵👇
1/9
February 5, 2026 at 5:11 PM
If the tech sector today signals the economy of tomorrow, then it is important to understand its regional impact. The data below shows some signs of optimism for the North – but also reasons to worry.
Image prompt: ‘Artificial Intelligence in the North of England’.
🧵👇
1/9
Image prompt: ‘Artificial Intelligence in the North of England’.
🧵👇
1/9
If the tech sector today signals the economy of tomorrow, then it is important to understand its regional impact. The data below shows some signs of optimism for the North – but also reasons to worry.
Image prompt: ‘Artificial Intelligence in the North of England’.
🧵👇
1/9
Image prompt: ‘Artificial Intelligence in the North of England’.
🧵👇
1/9
February 5, 2026 at 5:11 PM
If the tech sector today signals the economy of tomorrow, then it is important to understand its regional impact. The data below shows some signs of optimism for the North – but also reasons to worry.
Image prompt: ‘Artificial Intelligence in the North of England’.
🧵👇
1/9
Image prompt: ‘Artificial Intelligence in the North of England’.
🧵👇
1/9
The government have just published the new 'Green Book' - the guidance by which civil servants assess different projects.
HMT have done a great job to not just build in the recommendations on regional appraisal from the recent review, but also cut the length by 40%!
www.gov.uk/government/n...
HMT have done a great job to not just build in the recommendations on regional appraisal from the recent review, but also cut the length by 40%!
www.gov.uk/government/n...
New Green Book to ensure that investment in all parts of the UK given a "fair hearing"
New guidance will support fairer and more balanced decisions on investment in every part of the country.
www.gov.uk
February 5, 2026 at 3:49 PM
The government have just published the new 'Green Book' - the guidance by which civil servants assess different projects.
HMT have done a great job to not just build in the recommendations on regional appraisal from the recent review, but also cut the length by 40%!
www.gov.uk/government/n...
HMT have done a great job to not just build in the recommendations on regional appraisal from the recent review, but also cut the length by 40%!
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by JP Spencer
The debate on the bill to remove the 2-child cap on benefits is ongoing now.
Here is @patmcfaddenmp.bsky.social, leading for the Labour government explaining 'why now'...and gives us a good lesson on the importance of being in government to make change, through having a credible plan.
1/5
Here is @patmcfaddenmp.bsky.social, leading for the Labour government explaining 'why now'...and gives us a good lesson on the importance of being in government to make change, through having a credible plan.
1/5
February 3, 2026 at 3:19 PM
The debate on the bill to remove the 2-child cap on benefits is ongoing now.
Here is @patmcfaddenmp.bsky.social, leading for the Labour government explaining 'why now'...and gives us a good lesson on the importance of being in government to make change, through having a credible plan.
1/5
Here is @patmcfaddenmp.bsky.social, leading for the Labour government explaining 'why now'...and gives us a good lesson on the importance of being in government to make change, through having a credible plan.
1/5
Reposted by JP Spencer
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 30% (-3)
LAB: 22% (+4)
CON: 19% (+3)
GRN: 12% (-3)
LDM: 12% (=)
Via @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social, 22-27 Jan.
Changes w/ 30 Oct - 5 Nov.
RFM: 30% (-3)
LAB: 22% (+4)
CON: 19% (+3)
GRN: 12% (-3)
LDM: 12% (=)
Via @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social, 22-27 Jan.
Changes w/ 30 Oct - 5 Nov.
February 1, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 30% (-3)
LAB: 22% (+4)
CON: 19% (+3)
GRN: 12% (-3)
LDM: 12% (=)
Via @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social, 22-27 Jan.
Changes w/ 30 Oct - 5 Nov.
RFM: 30% (-3)
LAB: 22% (+4)
CON: 19% (+3)
GRN: 12% (-3)
LDM: 12% (=)
Via @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social, 22-27 Jan.
Changes w/ 30 Oct - 5 Nov.
Reposted by JP Spencer
What does the economic data tell us about Tees Valley? Have the losses at the airport and controversies around Teesworks had an impact? Find out more below.
👇
👇
This week I’ve had a look at some of the economic data in Tees Valley – one of only two parts of the North to see productivity growth below the national average in recent years. And this data tells a complicated story.
🧵
1/7
🧵
1/7
February 1, 2026 at 2:27 PM
What does the economic data tell us about Tees Valley? Have the losses at the airport and controversies around Teesworks had an impact? Find out more below.
👇
👇
What does the economic data tell us about Tees Valley? Have the losses at the airport and controversies around Teesworks had an impact? Find out more below.
👇
👇
This week I’ve had a look at some of the economic data in Tees Valley – one of only two parts of the North to see productivity growth below the national average in recent years. And this data tells a complicated story.
🧵
1/7
🧵
1/7
February 1, 2026 at 2:27 PM
What does the economic data tell us about Tees Valley? Have the losses at the airport and controversies around Teesworks had an impact? Find out more below.
👇
👇
Reposted by JP Spencer
Genuunely delighted by this: got to know Angeliki well when I was in Manchester and she's both a lovely woman and fantastic councillor. Really good on green stuff and active travel particularly
She'd make a excellent MP - Labour are putting forward a good one here.
She'd make a excellent MP - Labour are putting forward a good one here.
BREAKING: Angeliki Stogia announced as Labour candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election
January 31, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Genuunely delighted by this: got to know Angeliki well when I was in Manchester and she's both a lovely woman and fantastic councillor. Really good on green stuff and active travel particularly
She'd make a excellent MP - Labour are putting forward a good one here.
She'd make a excellent MP - Labour are putting forward a good one here.
Reposted by JP Spencer
Delighted that Angeliki Stogia is Labour’s candidate for Gorton & Denton by-election.
She’s a strong Mancunian woman with Labour values & a record of delivery.
All our doorstep work is clear, only Labour can win against Reform. Don’t risk voting for others.
We chose unity & hope over division.
She’s a strong Mancunian woman with Labour values & a record of delivery.
All our doorstep work is clear, only Labour can win against Reform. Don’t risk voting for others.
We chose unity & hope over division.
January 31, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Delighted that Angeliki Stogia is Labour’s candidate for Gorton & Denton by-election.
She’s a strong Mancunian woman with Labour values & a record of delivery.
All our doorstep work is clear, only Labour can win against Reform. Don’t risk voting for others.
We chose unity & hope over division.
She’s a strong Mancunian woman with Labour values & a record of delivery.
All our doorstep work is clear, only Labour can win against Reform. Don’t risk voting for others.
We chose unity & hope over division.
Reposted by JP Spencer
BREAKING: Angeliki Stogia announced as Labour candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election
January 31, 2026 at 12:49 PM
BREAKING: Angeliki Stogia announced as Labour candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election
Reposted by JP Spencer
This week I’ve had a look at some of the economic data in Tees Valley – one of only two parts of the North to see productivity growth below the national average in recent years. And this data tells a complicated story.
🧵
1/7
🧵
1/7
January 29, 2026 at 8:55 AM
This week I’ve had a look at some of the economic data in Tees Valley – one of only two parts of the North to see productivity growth below the national average in recent years. And this data tells a complicated story.
🧵
1/7
🧵
1/7
Reposted by JP Spencer
Fascinating thread on productivity growth differentials between regions. 👇
This week I’ve had a look at some of the economic data in Tees Valley – one of only two parts of the North to see productivity growth below the national average in recent years. And this data tells a complicated story.
🧵
1/7
🧵
1/7
January 29, 2026 at 9:55 AM
Fascinating thread on productivity growth differentials between regions. 👇
This week I’ve had a look at some of the economic data in Tees Valley – one of only two parts of the North to see productivity growth below the national average in recent years. And this data tells a complicated story.
🧵
1/7
🧵
1/7
January 29, 2026 at 8:55 AM
This week I’ve had a look at some of the economic data in Tees Valley – one of only two parts of the North to see productivity growth below the national average in recent years. And this data tells a complicated story.
🧵
1/7
🧵
1/7
Reposted by JP Spencer
This is such a good example of how to apply systems thinking to solve public policy challenges in new ways, both innovative and clearly written
Terrific report on that by @dsquareddigest.bsky.social for Labour Together, this:
Build the rail! Save the snails! — Labour Together
Why does British infrastructure cost so much? This paper, by economist Dan Davies, argues that Britain’s adversarial planning system forces developers to gold-plate solutions to hypothetical problems....
www.labourtogether.uk
January 28, 2026 at 4:33 PM
This is such a good example of how to apply systems thinking to solve public policy challenges in new ways, both innovative and clearly written
Reposted by JP Spencer
The Green Party has claimed figures from a projection show “only the Greens can stop Reform” in Gorton and Denton.
This is misleading. The model cited suggests Reform and the Greens will increase vote share the most, but currently projects a Labour win.
This is misleading. The model cited suggests Reform and the Greens will increase vote share the most, but currently projects a Labour win.
Green Party by-election bar chart claim is misleading – Full Fact
An image shared by the party and its leader Zack Polanski claims figures from a projection show “only the Greens can stop Reform” in Gorton and Denton, even though the model suggests Labour will win.
fullfact.org
January 28, 2026 at 12:02 PM
The Green Party has claimed figures from a projection show “only the Greens can stop Reform” in Gorton and Denton.
This is misleading. The model cited suggests Reform and the Greens will increase vote share the most, but currently projects a Labour win.
This is misleading. The model cited suggests Reform and the Greens will increase vote share the most, but currently projects a Labour win.
Reposted by JP Spencer
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 29% (-2)
LAB: 22% (+2)
CON: 20% (-1)
LDM: 13% (=)
GRN: 10% (-1)
SNP: 3% (+1)
Via @moreincommonuk.bsky.social, 23-25 Jan.
Changes w/ 16-19 Jan.
RFM: 29% (-2)
LAB: 22% (+2)
CON: 20% (-1)
LDM: 13% (=)
GRN: 10% (-1)
SNP: 3% (+1)
Via @moreincommonuk.bsky.social, 23-25 Jan.
Changes w/ 16-19 Jan.
January 28, 2026 at 8:54 AM
Westminster Voting Intention:
RFM: 29% (-2)
LAB: 22% (+2)
CON: 20% (-1)
LDM: 13% (=)
GRN: 10% (-1)
SNP: 3% (+1)
Via @moreincommonuk.bsky.social, 23-25 Jan.
Changes w/ 16-19 Jan.
RFM: 29% (-2)
LAB: 22% (+2)
CON: 20% (-1)
LDM: 13% (=)
GRN: 10% (-1)
SNP: 3% (+1)
Via @moreincommonuk.bsky.social, 23-25 Jan.
Changes w/ 16-19 Jan.
Reposted by JP Spencer
Data suggests the North East has recently seen productivity growth above the UK average, including growth in manufacturing.
Find out more about this in the post and thread below. 👇
Find out more about this in the post and thread below. 👇
The economic story of the North East CA area is complicated. While productivity growth over 2019-23 is third from bottom in the North, it's still outpacing the UK average.
1/8
1/8
January 24, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Data suggests the North East has recently seen productivity growth above the UK average, including growth in manufacturing.
Find out more about this in the post and thread below. 👇
Find out more about this in the post and thread below. 👇