Two former editors have launched a new project aimed at providing an alternative to what they see as the “very London-centric” political podcasting scene.

Chris Maguire and Michael Taylor, both former editors of North West Business Insider, have teamed up with Manchester-based agency What Media to produce the ‘Northern Spin’ podcast.

The weekly 30-minute podcast will provide insight into current affairs, politics and business “from a uniquely Northern perspective”.

Chris, who is also a former editor of the Chorley and Leyland Guardian, is now the executive editor of technology sector publication Business Cloud and its sister website Tech Blast.

From left: Michael Taylor and Chris Maguire

He said: “I love political podcasts but they’re very London-centric and we felt there was a gap in the market for one that focused on the North.

“We’ve heard a lot about the Northern Powerhouse and Levelling Up but the Northern voice is only attracting a cursory mention in Westminster.

“We have a new Prime Minister, we’re a maximum of two years away from the next General Election and the so-called ‘Red Wall’ seats in the North will go a long way to deciding the outcome.

“That’s why we’ve launched Northern Spin.”

Michael, who now works as the political advisor to the Labour group on Stockport Council, added:  “The key to Northern Spin will be the insight we can provide into what Northern leaders, like mayors, are doing to genuinely deliver change, fairness and prosperity for the North.

“The North is a hotbed of ideas, innovation and progress. It isn’t a problem for Westminster to solve, but can be an active part of the solution to so many challenges.

“I was attracted to the idea because Chris and I are actually quite different. Sure, we’re a couple of white blokes who worked for the same company a decade ago, but while I’m firmly centre-left, Chris is more of a conservative with a small ‘c’.

“Also, while I’m an actual natural-born Northerner, Chris is adopted.”