North West: Political football

The government backed regeneration agency for the North West is to put millions of pounds into building a new football stadium in Liverpool. But there is a catch!

Should Everton and Liverpool share a stadium?

Both the city's Premiership clubs, Liverpool and Everton, would have to share the new ground.

The idea hasn't gone down well with many of the clubs' fans.

The week Politics Show North West examines the saga of plans for new stadiums to replace the existing ones at Goodison Park and Anfield.

The North West Development Agency warns there is only room for one new stadium in the city.

Up to £30 million in grants would be available to build it, but only if Merseyside's 'The Big Two' agree to a ground share.

This week the clubs took part in a 'summit ' to discuss the plan with representatives of the NWDA and Liverpool City Council.

Football stadium expert and author Simon Inglis favours a move.

He says a deal between Liverpool and Everton to share a new, world-class arena would have many benefits for the clubs and the city.

Leading with the left

The Merseysider poised to become leader of the T&G

As Labour gathers for its conference in Bournemouth, Politics Show North West profiles the Merseysider who is poised to become leader of the Transport & General Workers Union.

Tony Woodley is a former shop steward and convenor at the Vauxhall car factory in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

In a frank interview with North West Political Editor, Jim Hancock, Mr. Woodley rejects the idea that he belongs to a so called 'awkward squad' of newly elected, left-of-centre union leaders.

As General Secretary elect of the T&G, he wants the government to boost the Minimum Wage, address the pensions crisis and strengthen workers' rights.

He is critical of Government policy on tuition fees and hospitals.

" I believe we do speak for more than just trade unionists," says Tony Woodley.

"Eventually the Government is going to have to listen to us."

Conference insiders

Jim Hancock reports from the Labour conference, with Politics Show reporter Gill Dummigan getting a delegate eye view.

In a series of special reports, Gill follows conference goers around the fringe meetings, workshops and parties to get a flavour of these unique events.

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