LABOUR plans to reintroduce regional ministers do not go nearly far enough in devolving power, a campaign group has said.

Yesterday (Wednesday, April 9), Labour vowed to restore the local champions abolished by David Cameron’s Government in 2010, saying they would be critical to delivering its agenda to devolve more power to city regions.

But the Hannah Mitchell Foundation, which wants an elected assembly for the North, gave the announcement a “highly qualified welcome”.

Chair Barry Winter said: “We welcome any proposal to devolve powers from Whitehall and Westminster to the regions but this doesn’t go nearly far enough.

“At the very least we would have expected Labour to re-instate the regional development agencies, which did much to support economic growth in the North, despite weak accountability.

“The alarming gap between the North and London and the South-East will not be closed by Labour’s proposals. If anything, it’s just sticking plaster.”

The Foundation will hold its annual general meeting in Manchester on Saturday (April 12), with Andy Mycock, from Huddersfield University, talking about the impact of Scottish devolution and possible independence on the North.