http://politics.guardian.co.uk/local...682621,00.html

The Guardian article indicates that local government reform may be on
the way in the form of City Regions. It sounds like deja vu all over
again for Greater Manchester although local politicians have
reservations about a directly elected mayor like London's "Red Ken" -
although the colour seems to have faded.Whilst not going along with
many of his views I have always been impressed with the way he has
through, Transport for London, been an innovative force - driving
forward the Docklands Light Railway,the East London Line extension, the
congestion charge ( particularly putting the surpluses back into
transport infrastructure.) and a sensible system for regulating the
buses. Outside of London the eight major city regions are generally
groaning with congestion on a crumbly infrastructure so perhaps relief
might be in sight.
But now I wonder - is there a catch?