YESTERDAY’S sacking of Michael Gove from the Government could prove a setback to North East Lincolnshire Council’s hopes of securing £60-million in regeneration monies from Whitehall.
The Levelling-up and Housing Secretary’s surprise departure comes just days after he was in Grimsby on a fact-finding visit to establish how the money might be spent.
Given their lacklustre nature, plus a total absence of environment-friendly green credentials, it is doubtful if he was much impressed with any of the three bids (of up to £20-million each), but at least the trip enabled him to establish a bond with NELC leaders.
Mr Gove already has a cordial relationship with Great Grimsby MP, Lia Nici.
It is unlikely that his successor will be as supportive to be to the claims of our area, though, on the plus side, the Prime Minister will be keen to lend his influence given the loyalty shown to him by Ms Nici.
But there is another question. Will the levelling-up policy survive?
With a new Chancellor in place and the Prime Minister under pressure from Conservatives to cut taxes, a review of financial strategy is inevitable.
Levelling-up may be pushed down the agenda - or, worse, unceremoniously kicked into the long grass.
Time will tell.
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