Baroness Julie Elliott to Chair the Northern Powerhouse Partnership

The Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP) has announced that Baroness Julie Elliott will take over as Chair of the organisation, following the end of Lord Jim O’Neill’s term of office.  The official handover takes place at NPP’s AGM today, following recent approval by the Board.

Lord O’Neill has been a key player in championing regional economic development and was a leading proponent of the original northern powerhouse concept, an idea which he developed while chairing the Cities Growth Commission and then led in government as Commercial Secretary to the Treasury. 

Reflecting on the end of his term of office, Lord O’Neill said:

 “We founded the Northern Powerhouse Partnership to give business a voice in improving northern productivity, and to bring civic and business leaders together to develop solutions to the UK’s deep regional divides. It has been a privilege to lead the Partnership and help inform critical research to the long-term health of the UK economy. I know Julie will be a passionate champion for the North of England and will steer the Partnership from strength to strength.”

Baroness Elliott served as the Member of Parliament for Sunderland Central from 2010 to 2024 and was appointed to the House of Lords earlier this year. Her roles in parliament have included Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, membership of the Business and Skills, and Culture, Media and Sport Select Committees, and she has been a longstanding supporter of the North of England’s economic interests

Commenting on her appointment, Baroness Elliott said:

“I am delighted to be the incoming Chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, and I want to place on record my thanks to Jim O’Neill for all of his amazing work supporting and steering NPP since it was established.  The North is full of talent and potential, yet persistent challenges remain. I look forward to working with businesses, universities, mayors, local leaders and national politicians to ensure that the North has the opportunity to thrive.”

NPP’s Board has appointed Lord O’Neill to join George Osborne as Co-Presidents of the organisation, a senior advisory role that enables him to continue supporting the Partnership’s work.

Notes to editors:

• The Northern Powerhouse Partnership is a business-led think tank focused on economic growth in the North of England. It works to champion local and national policies that will increase productivity in the region and close the North – South divide. 
• Lord Jim O’Neill will remain Chair of Northern Gritstone, an investment company focused on science and innovation start-ups in the North of England

For further enquires, please email joe.dadomo@northernpowerhousepartnership.co..uk