IfG DevoLab #3: How devolution can improve transport connectivity

IfG DevoLab #3: How devolution can improve transport connectivity

Author: Institute for Government November 10, 2025 Duration: 1:32:53
The IfG DevoLab is a new initiative from the Institute for Government dedicated to exploring the innovations enabled by devolution, learning from the results, and sharing the lessons so that places can take better decisions about how to use devolved powers and budgets. On 6 November, the IfG hosted its third IfG DevoLab event in Leeds, at which speakers from three regions set out how the powers and profile of mayors are being used to improve transport connectivity within and between their regions. The three case studies presented at IfG DevoLab #3 were: ‘Improving transport connectivity in West Yorkshire’, by Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford City Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Transport Committee ‘Connecting Liverpool City Region through Merseyrail’, by Huw Jenkins, Lead Officer - Transport Policy at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority ‘Mayoral partnerships with Great British Railways’ by Richard Crabtree, Head of Mayoral Partnerships at Shadow Great British Railways The three speakers were joined by Tom Bridges, UK Government Business Leader at Arup, for a broader discussion of how devolution can improve transport connectivity, how the government can support innovation and learning, and whether there is a case for further devolution in this area. This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. Insights from this discussion will inform a published policy briefing containing the three case studies and a synthesis of key lessons. We would like to thank Arup for kindly supporting this event. We are also grateful to our strategic partner L&G for its wider support of the IfG DevoLab series.

Ever wondered what really happens behind the doors of Whitehall? Institute for Government pulls up a chair at the table where policy is made and governance gets tested. This isn't about partisan politics or headlines; it's a deeper, more practical conversation about how the machinery of the UK government actually works-or sometimes, why it doesn't. Each episode brings you the experts from the Institute itself, along with senior civil servants, ministers, and analysts, for frank discussions that dissect the challenges of running a country. You'll hear specific case studies, analysis of major events as they unfold, and explorations of long-term issues like public service reform or the complexities of Brexit implementation. The goal is to move beyond theory and into the tangible details of effectiveness and accountability. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a privileged briefing, one that demystifies the processes that shape daily life. It’s for anyone curious about the structures of power, the art of the possible in policy, and the ongoing effort to improve how the nation is governed. Expect thoughtful, evidence-based dialogue that cuts through the noise to examine the levers of statecraft.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Institute for Government
Podcast Episodes
In conversation with Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:18
In 2024, Eluned Morgan MS became the sixth first minister of Wales – and the first woman to hold the role – since the dawn of devolution in 1999. She now leads Welsh Labour into the 2026 Senedd election, which will be he…
The view from the IfG: Government in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:35
This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. Political journalist Carolyn Quinn, former presenter of the BBC’s Westminster Hour, was in conversation with four IfG programme directors to discuss th…
Rewiring the state: Is the government making any progress? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:51
This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. Drawing on brand new IfG research, this panel gave its verdict on the government's attempts to reform the civil service. Whitehall Monitor 2026 present…
Is the centre of government built to deliver? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:32
This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. An expert panel explored how well No.10 and the Treasury work together to deliver the government's economic priorities. Rt Hon Ed Balls, broadcaster, p…