What would a Labour government actually mean for Greater Manchester?

It was a moment to take stock of how far the North of England has come - and how, in some ways, it has fallen further further behind.

But it was also the opportunity to hear what a new government would mean for the region that brought Northern thinkers, movers and shakers to Manchester Art Gallery last month. Labour's deputy leader and Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner addressed IPPR North's 20th anniversary event, promising that her party would hand new powers to local leaders if it wins the next general election.

Everyone at the gathering was well-versed on the issues holding the North back. But with drinks flowing, privately, some expressed scepticism about Labour's pledge to go 'further and faster' to fix them.

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In her speech, Labour's shadow levelling up secretary said that her party would give local leaders the tools they need to 'turbocharge' economic growth in their areas. Under Labour, she said, moving political power out of Westminster would be the 'starting principle'.

Ms Rayner announced that metro mayors and combined authorities would have more control over their own budgets, giving them more freedom to spend money as they see fit. They would also get 'new levers' over housing and planning, energy and transport.

These 'levers' would match those already held in Greater Manchester, Ms Rayner said. So what is Labour offering Greater Manchester?

When Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visited the Manchester Evening News office in January, he promised that more powers would be devolved to Greater Manchester under his government. But the details, he said, were still being discussed with mayor Andy Burnham.

Speaking to the M.E.N. last week, Mr Burnham