Vague promises around ‘levelling up’ were likely to feature in the Queen’s Speech when Government revealed its legislative programme, as this column went to press.

Boris Johnson’s track record suggests there will be slogans but very little substance.

This from the Tories who have had 12 years to level up opportunities if they were really serious.

Instead, much of their time in office has been spent wielding an axe that has cut benefits and decimated public services, with the poor hardest hit.  

As someone from a working-class background, I know all about the need to promote a fairer society in which every child has the chance to fulfil their true potential. Difference is, I’m not just saying it, it’s part of who I am, part of my political DNA.

We need investment in places like Northwich if levelling up is to mean anything.

In ideal world, that should mean funding a new Winnington Bridge to unlock regeneration of the old chemical works site and ease existing traffic woes.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) was advised to bid for Government ‘levelling up’ funding for the bridge this spring. Now that’s been put off until the autumn.

People want to get from A to B. But inadequate public transport is a massive issue. We have infrequent train services despite contractual promises. And we have a collapsed train station that, even when rebuilt, won’t be accessible to people with disabilities.

The Department for Transport is now suggesting we bid for improvements in 2024!

Then you look at Boris’s ‘Bus Back Better’ fund that was supposed to herald a revolution in bus services.

After being encouraged to bid, CWaC lodged ambitious £37m bus improvement plans but hasn’t received a single penny.

Serious money would have delivered better connectivity, more reliable services, cheaper fares and greener buses.

Labour’s priority would also be about levelling up the playing field that sees North Sea oil and gas companies making excess profits while people struggle to pay their energy bills.

We would introduce a windfall tax on these companies to fund support worth up £600 per household and cut VAT on energy bills – instead of the £200 loan the Chancellor has imposed.

On top of that, Government has raised National Insurance as taxes reach their highest level in 70 years.

The Tories talk about levelling up. Well, this is the reality.