In a week where Northern Tory MPs are pondering how much they can stand behind Boris Johnson, The Northern Agenda podcast speaks to one of the prime minister's biggest allies in the region: Jake Berry.

The Rossendale and Darwen MP tells Westminster editor Dan O'Donohue why he is still backing Johnson, and gives his thoughts on what levelling up actually means.

The Tory politician also discusses whether an elected metro mayor is the answer for the county of Lancashire.

Local democracy reporter David Spereall speaks to Northern Agenda editor Rob Parsons about the issues of the cost of school uniforms in Wakefield, with parents turning to uniform exchanges in the Yorkshire city.

Ahead of the Convention of the North, Rob also chats to Liverpool Echo political editor Liam Thorp about the big decisions facing decision makers in the city.

The Northern Agenda is a Laudable production for Reach. It is presented by Rob Parsons and Daniel O'Donoghue, and it is produced by Daniel J. McLaughlin.

You can subscribe to the daily Northern Agenda newsletter here: http://www.thenorthernagenda.co.uk/

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