In a move that surprises absolutely no one who has ever heard a politician dream big, Chancellor John Healey will announce a £7m fund to examine whether northern England could host the Olympics in the 2040s. Because nothing says "fiscal responsibility" like spending millions to study if you can spend billions later.

The fund will finance a full feasibility study for a northern Games - a concept that, if successful, would bring the Olympics and Paralympics to the north of England in the 2040s. That would be Britain's first time hosting since London 2012, which apparently went well enough that we're considering doing it again, just... elsewhere.

The idea gained momentum in May when the government commissioned an assessment by UK Sport, and again in June when mayors from across the north met in Sheffield to discuss the possibility. Because nothing builds regional unity like the prospect of international sporting glory and a lot of construction.

More than 40 Olympians and Paralympians - including Laura Kenny, Jason Kenny, Sarah Storey, Beth Tweddle, and Tom Pidcock - signed a joint statement expressing "strong and united support" for a "box office Games" in the north. Because if there's one thing athletes know, it's real estate feasibility studies.

Mayor Andy Burnham, clearly auditioning for a role as chief Olympic cheerleader, said the bid would "unlock opportunity across our towns and cities" and that "we can put on the greatest show on Earth." He added, "Few things bring a country together quite like the Olympics," which is true - unless you count the inevitable debates over cost overruns and traffic chaos.

Burnham continued: "I want people to feel that sense of excitement again, and to experience it in their own towns and communities, not just watch it on the telly." Because nothing says community spirit like a multi-billion-pound infrastructure project.

The feasibility study will look at venues, transport links, costs, and the odds of a winning bid - all the fun stuff that makes hosting the Olympics such a bargain. It will involve the government, UK Sport, northern mayors, and the British Olympic and Paralympic Associations, who would ultimately be responsible for the bid.

Healey said: "The north hosting an event as big as this would be truly unforgettable." Unforgettable, yes - much like the bill. "Britain's experience of London 2012 is proof we can host the world. I'm picking up the pace on our work to potentially bid for these prestigious Games." Because nothing says "picking up the pace" like a feasibility study.

The British Olympic Association, ParalympicsGB, and UK Sport released a joint statement welcoming the news, saying they look forward to "working in partnership to explore this exciting opportunity." Exciting indeed - especially for consultants.

Meanwhile, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has previously criticised the plan, calling the exclusion of London a "missed opportunity." Because if there's one thing London loves, it's not being the center of attention.

Sydney, Tokyo, and London have all hosted recently, but Brisbane - Australia's third-largest city - will host in 2032. So northern England, you're up. Possibly. In the 2040s. If the study says so.