But the problem is I think any incoming government will shy away from starting any major rail infrastructure projects. They may pay lip service, but thats all.
It maybe a sticking plaster solution but there is quite bit that could be be done:
There are still too many 3 coach trains running on this axis, lengthen trains to the maximum possible, increase capacity by longer trains rather than increasing service frequency.
Provide 4 track sections to allow overtaking, an obvious candidate would be Crossgates near Leeds which used to be 4 track, so all works would be within the railway boundary. Also Huddersfield to Marsden, which I think is already planned to be increased to 3 track. There also looks to be room at Eccles without demolition, and on the north side of St Helens junction if you took some of the car park to create 4 track stations.
Sort Astley crossing out.
Get the full TPE north route electrified.
No doubt some other smaller scale works.
If these smaller scale works could be delivered reasonablly close to budget and stick to timescales then a future government maybe more positive about some larger projects.
These are also 'now' things that could deliver benefits in the short term, rather than something which may be 20+ years away from completion.