Claims that the devolution agenda had died after the collapse of the North East devolution deal last September were clearly exaggerated. Three breakaway North of Tyne authorities, Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside MBC and Northumberland Council, remained committed and, more than a year later, have reached a deal with the Government.

Last year, communities secretary Sajid Javid took the North East devolution deal off the table after Sunderland City Council, Durham Council, South Tyneside MBC and Gateshead MBC voted against it, revealing a clear split in the region.