We need to talk about Andy.

Metro mayors represent a great opportunity for city regions and the whole future of devolution in England. But in truth they are fragile creations. More smoke and mirrors than real powers and budgets with a host of local vested interests against them and a jaded electorate to convince of their worth. So it is critical that the first set of metro mayors are powerful and realistic advocates for the role who can build up their profile and purpose.

This is especially relevant in Greater Manchester – the ‘jewel in the crown’ of city regions with significant additional powers in health, policing and criminal justice.

Which brings me back to Andy Burnham. I have long been an admirer and supporter and there is no doubt that had he become leader last year the fortunes of the Labour Party would be considerably better. Sadly that ship has sailed. What cannot happen now is that if he succeeds next year that the GM mayor becomes a surrogate for national political struggles.

Frankly the last thing we need is the imposition of top down re-organisations such as the forced merger of health and social care (The MJ, 30 Sept). The introduction of city region mayors should be an opportunity for new ideas and innovation especially around improving mental and public heath. Don’t look to London go to Amsterdam where care homes are being built with accommodation for young people who offer to help look after the elderly residents helping resolve the curse of loneliness for the old and homelessness for the young

It is also nonsense to build up the mayoralty in Greater Manchester as a political voice to restore the fortunes of Labour in the North (which does nothing to assist that party in the South and the Midlands).

The huge challenge for England’s metro mayors is how they break the vice like grip of the capital on wealth creation and highly paid jobs in both public and private sectors. For Greater Manchester the best opportunity is to work with the newly-elected Mayor of the West Midlands – who on current trends is likely to be a Conservative – to make a case for better transport and funding for their city regions and for national London-based organisations such as Channel 4 to relocate.

That’s a real job and one that needs 100% dedication and focus.

Paul Wheeler is director of the Political Skills Forum