The UK Labour Party and the Governance of Regional Inequalities

“Insightful, urgent and necessary—this is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand one of the UK’s longest-standing policy dilemmas, where political choices have a direct and profound effect on the lives of the public.” --Janice McMillan, Associate Professor, Edinburgh Napier University, UK.

The collapse of the Starmer government and the emergence of Andy Burnham as the new UK Prime Minister pivoted to a considerable extent on issues of policy governance and a failure to deliver on expectations associated with addressing regional inequalities. Offering a blend of historical analysis, comparative insights, empirical evidence, and policy recommendations, this book examines the persistent nature of regional inequalities in the UK.

The challenge of addressing regional inequalities has bedevilled UK governments for generations. Because these inequalities impinge upon, and are affected by, a range of interlinked policy spheres – including health, education, economic development, housing and social services – the governance challenges associated with them are particularly acute, and demonstrate the need for an overarching strategy, policy coordination, and cooperation between different layers of government. The book charts the governance approaches adopted by successive administrations to tackle regional inequality, sets the issue in a broader international context, and analyses the development and implementation of strategy by Keir Starmer’s Labour Government. By presenting a multi-dimensional exploration of the issue and its governance implications, the book enriches the understanding of regional inequalities and provides a roadmap for informed decision-making and policy formulation in this area.

It is important reading for all those interested in UK politics, public policy and public administration. 

John Connolly  is Professor of Public Policy, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK. 

Robert Pyper  is Emeritus Professor of Government and Public Policy at the University of the West of Scotland, UK.