Dr Thomas Arnold

Personal Statement

I joined the Heseltine Institute in 2020, after completing my PhD at the Department for Planning and Environment Management at the University of Manchester. My research focuses on:

• Local and regional institutions, devolution and governance
• Local economies and industrial strategy
• Local and regional transport planning, particularly in Northern England

I am currently working on collaborative research with a range of partners in Liverpool City Region, including recent work on the data ecosystem supporting social infrastructure. I edit the Heseltine Institute’s policy briefings series, and have contributed to a range of parliamentary inquiries on issues such as sub-national devolution, industrial strategy and freeports. I also regularly contribute blogs and think-pieces, including recent contributions on topics such as the Integrated Rail Plan for Northern England, and the Budget.

Prior to joining the Heseltine Institute I helped to write the report of the UK2070 Commission inquiry into regional inequalities and my PhD thesis focused on transport devolution in Northern England. Before entering academia I worked for almost a decade in a range of public affairs and policy roles.

I am an Early Career officer for the Local Politics specialist group of the Political Studies Association and an active member of the Regional Studies Association.