Paul Anderson: Strengthening Intergovernmental Relations in the UK
Effective governance in the UK relies on cooperation across multiple levels of government. In a recent conversation with impact officer Emily Walker-Williams, Dr Paul Anderson, from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, discussed his work on intergovernmental relations (IGR) between the UK Government, devolved administrations, and newly established mayoral combined authorities in England. His research highlights the complexities and opportunities for enhancing collaboration.
A Research Journey Rooted in Collaboration
Paul’s research examines how devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and English mayoral authorities interact with Westminster. He aims to identify factors that influence these relationships, assess their effectiveness and recommend avenues for reform.
“Intergovernmental relations are a cornerstone of good governance, especially in a system as politically diverse as the UK,” explains Paul. “Different political parties in power can create tensions, but effective collaboration is essential for addressing cross-border challenges, such as those highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Drawing on 25 years of devolution, his research reflects on past experiences to inform future policymaking. Events like Brexit, the cost-of-living crisis, and the pandemic underscore the importance of ensuring governments can effectively work together and thus the necessity for robust IGR frameworks.
A Spotlight on English Mayoral Authorities
One of Paul’s key contributions is his exploration of relationships between mayoral combined authorities and central government. These authorities, introduced gradually since 2014 (with the first mayors elected in 2017), represent a new layer of governance in England. Paul’s recent study, funded by the James Madison Charitable Trust, involved 52 interviews with mayors, civil servants, and ministers. His findings shed light on informal interactions, power asymmetries, and the necessity of formal mechanisms for dialogue.
“The absence of formal structures historically limited the effectiveness of these relationships,” notes Paul. “However, the establishment of the Mayoral Council for England signifies progress, offering a forum for meaningful dialogue between mayors and ministers.” For more on this, see Paul's article on the subject on the LSE Politics and Policy blog: Metro Mayors and Whitehall Need a Better Way to Work Together, and more recently, his reflections on IGR following the publication of the English Devolution White Paper.
Paul also highlights the significance of place-based leadership. “What came out of the research is how strongly the mayors feel about championing their regions,” he explains. “Mayors give visibility to their areas on a scale that MPs cannot. They not only advocate nationally but also go internationally—to America and Asia—seeking investment and giving their regions increased visibility. This growing prominence of place-based leadership is one of the most interesting aspects of the project.”
Enhancing Policy and Practice
Paul’s research not only contributes to academic debate and public discourse but also aims to inform policymakers. By presenting evidence to parliamentary committees and sharing his research with the wider community, he seeks to influence decision-making. His findings have proved influential in advancing debate on IGR and devolution across the UK and are already being cited internationally, including in Spain and the Philippines.
“Good governance transcends party politics,” he asserts. “My goal is to foster evidence-based policymaking that prioritises collaboration for the benefit of society.”
Lessons from International Systems
Paul’s research draws on global comparisons, from federal systems in Germany and Canada to multi-level governance models in Spain. “The UK can learn valuable lessons from other countries in managing power-sharing arrangements and ensuring effective governance,” he explains.
The inclusion of English mayors in the Council of Nations and Regions, alongside First Ministers from Scotland and Wales, marks a step towards fostering more collaborative leadership across the UK. Paul’s research highlights how devolved systems can innovate and share solutions, such as transport policies or social initiatives, which can then be adopted nationally. One notable example is the £2 bus fare cap introduced in the Liverpool City Region, which was spearheaded by Mayor Steve Rotheram. This policy not only provided affordable transport options for residents but also showcased how regional innovation can influence broader practices. As Paul notes, such initiatives demonstrate the tangible benefits of devolution and the potential for impactful policy learning between regions and central government.
The Role of Impact in New Research
Reflecting on the importance of impact, Paul emphasises how considering the potential influence of his research shaped his approach. “Moving from producing academic outputs to thinking more widely about how this research could inform real-world debates can be transformative,” he shares. Engaging with policymakers and civil servants not only enhanced the relevance of his work but also opened doors to new collaborations and opportunities. Paul’s proactive dissemination of findings, including written evidence to parliamentary committees and sharing results with stakeholders, exemplifies his commitment to ensuring his research contributes to societal progress.
Future Directions: From Evidence to Impact
Paul’s work underlines the transformative potential of devolution when supported by effective governance structures. His findings offer actionable insights for academics, politicians, and civil servants committed to improving intergovernmental collaboration.
Looking ahead, Paul is preparing a comprehensive report to summarise his findings for policymakers. He plans to launch the report both academically and in practitioner forums, including Parliament. Beyond this, the ambition is to continue to publish high-quality research and secure more external funding to continue to examine and inform the UK’s evolving devolution landscape.
The Value of Engagement with the Impact Team
Paul’s highlights the benefits of engaging with an impact officer in shaping the trajectory of his research. “Having conversations with Emily made me think beyond traditional academic outputs and consider how my work could influence real-world policy debates,” he explains. “This engagement helped me develop a more strategic approach to impact, ensuring my findings reach the right stakeholders at the right time.” Working closely with an impact officer provided crucial support in navigating policy engagement, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of his research for decision-makers.
By leveraging research to inform debates and shape policies, Paul is helping to ensure that the UK’s multi-level governance system can rise to present and future challenges. For politicians and civil servants navigating these complexities, his research provides a roadmap to strengthening relationships and achieving better outcomes for citizens nationwide.
Learn more about Dr Paul Anderson’s research.
About Dr Paul Anderson
Dr Paul Anderson is a Senior Lecturer in Politics at Liverpool John Moores University and the author of Territorial Politics in Catalonia and Scotland: Nations in Flux. His research focuses on comparative territorial politics, exploring issues such as autonomy and secessionist movements, intergovernmental relations, and the use of autonomy as a tool for conflict resolution. He frequently engages with policymakers and has provided evidence to parliamentary committees across the UK.
Paul spoke with Emily Walker-Williams