Yorkshire MP Andrew Percy has been confirmed as the new Northern Powerhouse Minister. He takes over from the Stockton South MP James Wharton, who has been given a new job as a minister for International Development.
Prime Minister Theresa May's final ministerial appointments have left the government without a Northern Powerhouse minister, at least for the time being.
It was announced on Sunday morning that the Stockton South MP James Wharton, who had been the Northern Powerhouse Minister, had been given a new job.
He has been appointed to the post of Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for International Development.
So what does this mean for the future of the Northern Powerhouse project?
The Northern Powerhouse concept was created and promoted by the then-Chancellor George Osborne, who wanted it to promote and facilitate investment and growth in the north of England.
Under a devolution deal, elected regional mayors would receive extra funding for economic investment and services such as transport.
When George Osborne was sacked by the new Prime Minister in last week's cabinet reshuffle, it raised questions about whether the entire project would prosper, or even survive, under the new administration.
Sunday's news that there is, currently, no minister for the Northern Powerhouse raises further questions about its future.
However, the Stockton South MP is confident that the project will go forward, and that a new Northern Powerhouse minister would soon be appointed.
Mr Wharton added that he was "really excited" about his new role in International Development.
“There is an awful lot that has to be done and it’s an opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives.”
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