As this edition of The MJ goes to press, people across eight of England’s city regions are about to vote for their next metro mayor. They will take office in the most challenging circumstances cities have seen for generations: millions have lost their jobs; high street spending has drained away and many businesses face uncertain futures.

While the vaccination programme is cause for optimism, metro mayors must also wrestle with their cities’ pre-existing challenges such as low educational attainment, congestion and expensive housing. So, what should they focus on?