Dr Ryan Swift

Research fellow

Ryan works as a research fellow at IPPR North and across the wider IPPR democracy programme.

In his work at IPPR North, Ryan researchers and writes on devolution, local democracy, ‘levelling up’, and regional identity. Ryan also contributes to wider IPPR work on democracy and politics. Recent projects have explored public perceptions of democracy and developed ideas to improve levels of democratic participation and political equality. Ryan is an experienced qualitative researcher.

Prior to joining IPPR, Ryan undertook a PhD at the University of Leeds on ‘the politics of Northernness’, examining how the north of England has been framed and politicised in recent political discourse. Before that, Ryan studied at the University of Huddersfield where he carried out research on the Labour Party and ‘the politics of Englishness’.

More from this author:

  1. There is an alternative to traditional ways of delivering social and economic value

    Our new report An alternative is possible: Measuring the impact of cooperatives puts forward a new framework for measuring the value that cooperative organisations deliver to local economies.

  2. An alternative is possible: Measuring the impact of cooperatives

    There is a need to grow the cooperatives sector in the UK to bring further benefits to communities.

  3. Handforth in hindsight: The future of hyperlocal governance in England

    Hyperlocal governance has huge potential. It can give people a greater say in their areas, helping them determine and deliver what is needed in their neighbourhoods, and bring social benefits to communities as well.