Agree with Stoneybridge radar.
People tend to forget that George Osbourne's constituency starts at the other side of the boundary fence for 23L.
The success of the airport is massively important for his constituents.
Plus the whole Northern Powerhouse concept is quite compelling. I was asked to explain it in the States a couple of weeks ago. People are interested: investors and the like.
Frankly though the physical condition of the airport doesn't support any powerhouse, needs massive investment in its terminals and apron/taxiways.