Support for 'fantastic' Northern Olympics idea

A Cheshire MP has given her backing to a £7m fund to explore how the Olympics could be brought to northern England.

Chancellor John Healey allocated the money for a full feasibility study on the possibility for a bid for a "Northern Games", in his first Budget on Wednesday.

If successful, it could see the games held in the North in the 2040s.

The Labour MP for Warrington South, Sarah Hall, said she "absolutely" backed the move to spend the £7m on the plan.

Hall told BBC Politics North West: "I remember London 2012 and how incredible not just for the economy for our country that was for our country.

"But also to inspire the younger children to get involved in various sports and just wellness, and for women's sports and all of this stuff.

"It was fantastic."

Reform UK deputy leader of Lancashire County Council, Simon Evans, also told the show: "I think this is an exciting possibility.

"I think bringing the Olympics to the North West would be fantastic not matter how far off it is."

Martin Cox, the former Tory leader of Bolton Council, added: "If the Olympics could come to the North of England, it would be a fabulous thing."

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