Considering what a grim year this has been for the LGA, with huge cuts to its own budget as well as a sector shredded in the Spending Review, its conference this week has been a triumph for attracting the full deck of political leaders, Labour Party leader, Ed Miliband; deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg; and particularly David Cameron, for whom this is his first appearance as prime minister.

What does this mean? That the leaders enjoy the hospitality of Birmingham's trendy canal-side bars? That the prime minister and Mr Clegg are keen to support the city's own coalition administration before it could slip to Labour control next May?