The election was barely behind him when the Prime Minister put out the welcome mat at Downing Street for England's 12 metro mayors. But is this blossoming relationship destined to flourish?

Embracing the mayors so publicly sent out the strongest of signals about how important the Government believes they are to the success of its flagship missions-based agenda. The group was formalised in the King's Speech with the setting up of a Council of the Nations and Regions.