When chief executive of St Helens MBC and local government legend Kath O'Dwyer and her council leader Anthony Burns get together it's clear that much chuckling and repartee ensues.

What's obvious from meeting them is that they get on brilliantly. Their bond grew during the long hours of being together in virtual meetings in the Covid era, when Burns was cabinet lead for public health. He says: ‘I've told her where to go a few times!' She characterises their relationship as ‘respectful push and shove, but we do get on, don't we?'