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But given that so much of what goes on in the regional economy is linked to regional development agencies (RDAs), housebuilding agencies and the like, it would be nice to have a better idea of what is planned because otherwise we face eight months of inertia, which is the last thing we need. The RDAs have already been told to focus on propping up the fragile economy and put regeneration plans on the back burner. But would any developer really want to get involved with them at this stage, given that they may be gone in the middle of next year?

As someone who worked for many years on local newspapers, I know there is a danger of becoming too parochial about things: the “what will the incoming government do about the erratic nature of my bin collection” type of approach. But surely with something as important as regional development we are entitled to some answers. Will the Conservatives get rid of the RDAs or not? It’s a simple yes or no question, as Jeremy Paxman might say.

If so, does the future revolve around devolved powers to local authorities? As former Conservative transport minister Steven Norris said recently, that could lead to an awful lot of nimbyism. And what would become of large-scale schemes that affect a number of authorities? Isn’t there a danger of death by committee for cross-authority schemes?

Now that national regeneration body English Partnerships is no more, the demise of the RDAs could lead to a real vacuum in regional development. Perhaps the Tories have got an idea to fill that vacuum. Who knows? As public sector bodies do what is anatomically impossible – jockeying for position while looking nervously over their shoulders – it is up to the rest of us to demand answers on their behalf. Until the general election Insider will be doing just that at every chance it gets and reporting back.

Andy Coyne, editor