Outside the capital, regional devolution is moving forward. The Northern Powerhouse, spearheaded by Manchester, is much heralded by the government both at home and abroad – not least as a bid to increase Conservative popularity in former Labour strongholds while the latter is getting to grips with a new leader and his radically different approach. Backed by strong local enthusiasm, devolution is meeting little opposition. Specifics are still needed though. What is going to be done, how will it be agreed and when will it happen? The Manchester City Plan was approved by its Council’s Executive recently but consultation is still needed and timing is not yet determined.