THE head of Warrington-based Northwest Development Agency Steve Broomhead has come third in a poll of the region's most powerful people.

The former chief executive at Warrington Borough Council polled well in the list of the most powerful people in the Northern Way region.

Beaten only by John Prescott, deputy Prime Minister and Sir Graham Hall, chairman of the Northern Way, Mr Broomhead climbed the ladder in the Power 100 list for Prospect magazine.

Mr Broomhead is responsible for the economic development and regeneration of the north west and is responsible for a £430 million budget and around 400 members of staff.