London is a global city that supports an entire economic region, but is Manchester? While it has a global brand the combined authority for Greater Manchester may not have the resources, private sector backing or scale to compete on the world stage. This might equally be said of Birmingham, even after the creation of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Combined authorities undoubtedly have a role to play in improving public services but a bigger and bolder approach is needed to drive the economic revival of the Midlands and the North. It seems the business secretary and chancellor may also be coming to this conclusion and we could see the emergence of a radical vision for the future of England.