Manchester Evening News editor Paul Horrocks is still one of the most powerful people in the North West, according to magazine North West Business Insider.

The monthly business title has published its annual ‘Power 100′ list, and has again singled out the MEN boss as the only editor to make the cut.

This year Paul (pictured) has been named the 44th most powerful individual in the North West – down slightly from last year’s number 37.

He is still head and shoulders above the likes of Blackburn MP Jack Straw (No 51) and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson (No 85), although new entries to the list Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin (No 10) and Andrew Flintoff (No 22) are partly responsible for Paul’s demotion as celebrities are included in this year’s list.

The magazine said of Paul and the MEN: “A tough year for Horrocks as the declining newspaper market brought challenges on all fronts.

“The MEN now has a lower headcount and the new-look paper sees sport back where it belongs – at the back – and business as a snappy weekly supplement.

“It’s nearly there but the decision to go free in the city centre has sent shock waves through the newspaper industry.”

Paul, (53), has edited the MEN since 1997, and has worked at the paper for more than 30 years.

He is also a member of the Press Complaints Commission and is due to become president of the Society of Editors in November.

The Power 100 list is compiled once a year and includes the 100 most powerful individuals in the North West, based on the criteria that they have influence over the economic, political and cultural life of the region.

The magazine uses intelligence gathered through the year by its editorial team as well as off-the-record debates held to discuss where the power resides in the region.

John Whittaker, chairman of Peel Holdings, which operates The Trafford Centre, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and The Manchester Ship Canal, was retained his spot at number one.