Tom Newton Dunn If levelling up doesn't happen, beware the anger of the left behind

THIS week, I met Debbie, Becky, Mark, Margaret, Ben, and Richard. They're voters in the Red Wall constituency of Blackpool South, won by the Tories in 2019 for the first time since 1992. I met the six when I sat in on a focus group, representing all demographics and political opinions, to gauge current sentiment in the seat.

What I heard was fascinating and sad. Some of it was surprising, other bits a little shocking.

Blackpool is the most deprived town in England, coming 435th out of 435.

Britain through its inhabitants' eyes is not a view most of us down here in the capital's media bubble often see, and even less often seek.

But today is all about the Red Wall and towns like Blackpool, with the publication of the long-awaited Levelling Up White Paper.

And remember, whether or not we like the idea of our taxpayers' money trundling up the A1 and M6, the 50-odd Tory gains in Labour's former Red Wall still hold the next general election result in their hands.

We spoke about partygate first. There was deep frustration about Downing Street telling the country to lock down while ignoring the rules themselves.

Yet there wasn't really the personal anger with Boris Johnson I expected, or with anyone else. Only two out of the six thought he should resign. Instead, there was a general sense of disillusionment.