A torrent of hype and hope has been invested in metro mayors as a governance fix for the current ad hoc and piecemeal episode of decentralisation in England. But claims have run ahead of evidence.

Assessment and reflection is needed on the potential, and perils, of metro mayors so as we do not end up disappointed with devolution once more. In the increasingly uneven governance landscape of England, what worth metro mayors provide relative to other arrangements needs careful scrutiny.