'OF the North, by the North, for the North'.

That's the rallying cry in a new report which is calling for the Northern Powerhouse vision to move into a new phase.

IPPR North is calling on leaders to embrace five areas of opportunity and commit to a more comprehensive approach to transforming the North's economy.

The think tank highlighted the need for a 'whole North approach', supporting job creation and productivity in high-growth and large-employment sectors of the economy, investment in infrastructure and people, delivering economic justice, as well as leading from the North.

Luke Raikes, report author and Senior Research Fellow at IPPR North said the Government, so consumed by Brexit chaos, has "deprioritised" the Northern Powerhouse agenda.

"This cannot continue," he said. “All our regional economies face severe challenges– including London’s. Brexit threatens to make this much worse and the Northern Powerhouse agenda is the best chance we have of fixing this national economic crisis.

"In the national interest, the North needs to thrive. The best way to take this important agenda forward is for the North to take the lead."

He added: "The next phase of the Northern Powerhouse must be of the North, by the North, for the North."

Sarah Longlands, Director of IPPR North, said that while the North has started to see the impacts of the Northern Powerhouse agenda, too many people and places are yet to feel the benefits.

She added: "Now is the time to develop the Northern Powerhouse agenda in to a plan which works for the people of the North providing them with opportunities to share in the potential economic opportunities of the future."

Responding to the report, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “Echoing our own commitment to inclusive growth, this report is right to stress that all our cities, towns and rural areas are essential to, and must benefit from, the drive to strengthen the economy of the North of England.

“With the right support from the Government, we can ensure all our communities can take advantage of the opportunities digital technology is bringing, delivering huge benefits for our region and the UK as a whole.

“Investment in major transport infrastructure, including HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail with a station in Bradford City Centre, is critical to delivering the North of England’s full potential.”

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and the NP11 Northern Powerhouse body, added: “If the Northern Powerhouse concept is to have a long term and meaningful future it is through the North taking ownership and being given the powers and resources to fulfil our potential.

“The North of England has ambitious plans to deliver for its own communities and the UK as a whole and with the right support we can play our full part in ensuring the country prospers post-Brexit."