"Skewed" transport spending must be diverted away from London and the south-east to redress a "shocking" imbalance hitting the north of England, according to a report.
The leader of Manchester City Council has stepped down temporarily today after being cautioned for assault.
Former communities secretary, Hazel Blears, has said Labour is in danger of losing its foothold in the North at the next general election.
David Cameron has claimed the Conservatives' "spectacular" victory in the local elections shows they are capable of winning seats across the country at a general election.
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