In the same Spotlight interview that Devon’s Lib Dem Leader warmly embraced Burnham’s plans to give local leaders more control over economic development, investment and public services, Cllr Tudor Evans went decidedly “off message”.

The leader of Plymouth City Council, Labour’s Tudor Evans, said he thought it was “likely” that plans for an expanded Plymouth and an expanded Exeter would be approved but councils needed to take the approach to a directly-elected mayor one step at a time.

Evans said: “Can we find out first what powers are actually on offer, what money is on offer and what powers the mayor would have, as opposed to the local authorities the mayor would have to rely upon to deliver so much of their programme.”

Owl, who watched the live broadcast, was left with the distinct impression that Cllr Evans prefers to be a “big fish in a small pond” and is uncomfortable with the notion of playing second fiddle to any “Strategic Authority Mayor”.

Exeter City Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk claims Burnham’s commitment to local growth, housing, and stronger communities reflects the ambitious Exeter expansion plans he has championed for many years.

As for it being likely that plans for an expanded Plymouth and an expanded Exeter will be imposed soon against local discord, who knows? Rewiring Britain is Andy Burnham’s big idea so it is likely that most existing ideas from the “ancient regime” will be swept off the table.

Here is a quote from Andy Burnham’s keynote Manchester Speech:

The Greater Manchester way is based on strong partnership between all sectors: public, private, community, voluntary, academic, faith and our trade unions.

We ask everyone to face the same way and then pull in that same direction together.

Don’t bank on quick decisions; he will want to start from a clean sheet- Owl