Former deputy prime minister John Prescott may have sadly died last week, but the echoes of his ambition can be felt in the current Government's devolution plans. Prescott may not have managed to see through his vision of regional government, but the current deputy prime minister is heading for blanket sub-regional government. 

However, as we edge closer to publication of the English devolution White Paper, the scale of the project is becoming increasingly apparent – although it pales in comparison to the scale of gossip and speculation surrounding it.