Dawn Baxendale has just started at the biggest job in local government – as chief executive of Birmingham City Council – and all eyes will be on beleaguered Brum to see if she can meet the challenge.

‘When people heard I was going, there was a sharp intake of breath, and a "[sucks teeth] that's a big job". There is an undercurrent view of "is it a job that can be done?",' she says.