Mythic Manchester: Devo Manc, the Northern Powerhouse and rebalancing the English economy

This article examines the prominent role of Manchester in recent devolution debates. The so-called “Manchester Model” for city-regional governance has been based on developing a tradition of close collaboration amongst neighbouring local authorities, allied to a highly strategic approach to building alliances, the development of a strong if selective evidence base and an intellectual agenda inspired by agglomeration economics. Drawing on 35 interviews with key actors in Manchester and surrounding areas we reveal how the Manchester Model has been carefully nurtured over a long period, drawing on agglomeration economics to argue that Manchester should be seen as England’s second city. This article critically examines this process of case-making.