Among the confusion and chaos of the recent government reshuffle, one change went largely unnoticed, except by those who want to see a fairer balance of infrastructure between London and the north.

The minister of state roles for transport and for London have been made a dual post, and given to Jo Johnson, the former universities minister.

All parties have had joint ministers, and there is logic to pairing certain issues. It’s sensible that devolution is in the list of responsibilities of the parliamentary undersecretary for transport for example. And had this government already earned some credibility on regional investment, might have been able to join London and transport without major comment.

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Right now however, matching the two sends the wrong signal, at the wrong time, about the government’s commitment to our regions.

The balance of transport infrastructure funding between London and the rest of the UK is a longstanding unfairness, with figures suggesting a £6-£1 spending ratio in favour of London over the north. A few months ago, we saw this disparity in action, as the government scaled back electrification for northern services, while simultaneously backing Crossrail 2.

Attempts to address these gaps via devolution are welcome, but promised powers on buses and other fundraising mechanisms have either been slow to arrive, or remain in the depot. Other areas don’t even have these limited powers, fostering inequalities between and within regions.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Northern Rail trains in Manchester: there’s a 6:1 spending ratio in favour of London over the north when it comes to transport infrastructure

Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

The new Transport for the North body is progress, but doesn’t yet rival Transport for London for teeth. The northern powerhouse minister represents three regions, not one, and lobbies from outside the Department for Transport.

It may be that Johnson is determined to rebalance transport spending. If this is genuine he will have support from me and others. The question is how this will sit with his other role as minister for London.

Londoners will expect a champion for their city in the same way that I and my constituents expect our representatives to put our area first. Political reality dictates that often decisions tend to be one project versus another, and we must assume that Johnson will be required to prioritise London. Londoner’s want a minister committed to improving their daily commute too.

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In the absence of an economic plan from the government that offers investment capable of delivering for London and our regions, then funding decisions will likely come down to a choice between priorities.

Building a country that works for everyone requires a transport minister with no competing geographical interest beyond banging the drum for regional fairness in 10 and 11 Downing Street. As a minimum, it demands a swift, centrally funded demonstration of commitment to transport in the north as reassurance. Leaders here certainly have a long list of projects to suit.

Much of this reshuffle has focused on the significance of job titles. Delivering a fair transport deal for the north requires a transport minister without London in theirs.

Mike Amesbury is Labour MP for Weaver Vale.

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