Fiume 1919 under Gabrielle D'Annunzio? Proto-fascism a go-go.

Oh, I dunno. Actually Westminster & Whitehall finally discovering that decent, properly funded and empowered, actual, old fashioned, local govt makes a massive difference to people's lives might just be what the UK needs.

Yep. That's me that is. Coming Over Here, stealing your women...

I have come to the conclusion that it s not 'build' that a lot of Red Wall folk want - It's 'repair'. More 'bring back the facilities we had', than 'put in new ones that are not for the likes of us'.

Oh, 'armchair auditors'. Remind me again how that turned out.

Not to mention the Ombudsman maladministration judgements and judicial reviews.

I think 'officers running the council' might not be that easy an option. I'm sensing more brain drains, early retirements and rock bottom morale for those officers remaining being the case.