Comparing political leadership: School of Human and Health Sciences

Comparing the political leadership of economic development across four cities in Spain and England | School of Human and Health Sciences 

Through the International Collaborative Fund (ICF) Prof Georgina Blakeley from the School of Human and Health Sciences collaborated with academics from Aston University and Malaga University to explore the political leadership of economic development in four key cities: Birmingham and Manchester in England and Malaga and Seville in Spain. The study examines how political leaders drive economic policies to ensure inclusive growth in their cities. 

The Project

This project examines the political leadership of economic development policy at the level of the city by comparing political leaders in four cities. The four cities include two in England – Birmingham and Manchester – and two in Spain – Malaga and Seville. Cities are motors of economic development in a globalised world, therefore it is crucial to understand how political leaders in different cities exercise their leadership to ensure their cities grow economically in ways that benefit all citizens. The research contributes to literature on local political leadership and city governance. 

Partner Institutions

• Dr Caroline Gray, Aston University (UK) 
• Dr Francisco Collado-Campaña and Prof Angel Valencia Saiz, Malaga University (Spain) 

International Partnerships

The team included four researchers: Prof Georgina Blakeley from the University of Huddersfield who led the project; Dr Caroline Gray from Aston University and Prof Francisco Collado-Campaña and Professor Angel Sainz both from the University of Malaga. 
 
Each researcher conducted secondary and primary research, with the primary research consisting of a series of semi-structured interviews with city council leaders and other senior figures in the policy field of economic development in each city. 
 
The findings were shared at the International Sociology Conference in Castilla-La Mancha in November 2023 and the Regional Studies Association Conference in London also in November 2023.  
 
An article from the research has been submitted to the International Journal of Urban and Regional Research and is currently under review. 
 
The research collaboration has also led to the development of another research partnership with an expanded research team from the University of Malaga which is currently seeking funding to investigate the role of local political leadership in building city brands as a tool of governance in Spain and the UK.  

Empirically, the project enhances knowledge about the key factors in municipal economic development, the leadership styles in each city, and the impact of local government systems in Spain and England. Conceptually, it advances understanding of local political leadership by highlighting a shared and collaborative leadership style.

Professor Georgina Blakeley, Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning

About the Researchers

Professor Georgina Blakeley is Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning in the School of Human and Health Sciences at the University of Huddersfield. Prior to this role, she was Director of Teaching in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the Open University. Her research interests fall into two broad areas of research which focus on democracy, governance and citizen participation. 

Find out more about Professor Georgina Blakeley.

Sustainability Development Goals related to this project