Nathan Evans: We are fighting to win in Trafford again

Labour has increased the Council Tax, doubled the number of senior officials, and seen Children’s Services go from “outstanding“ to being placed in special measures.

Mayoral election results: Live Blog. The city of Joe Chamberlain turns blue again. Andy Street will be the West Midlands Mayor.

Elsewhere, the Conservatives snatch Teesside and gain the West of England in a fine day for the Party. And Burnham wins big for Labour in Manchester.

Next week’s council elections: The Conservative / Labour battlegrounds – Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire

Will Andy Street adorn the front pages with a broad grin on his face, the newly-elected Conservative West Midlands Mayor?

Sean Anstee: We must harness devolution to boost skills in Manchester

Our city lags behind the UK average in unemployment and productivity. The new mayor must use City Hall’s new levers to make it more competitive.

Profile: Manchester – venue of next week’s Conservative conference, and city of the Northern Powerhouse, which could transform it

George Osborne’s project, though mocked by some, is already changing the politics of the North, by recruiting influential Labour politicians.

We ask our panel: What should Cameron do next?

James Cleverly MP, Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, Cllr Sean Anstee, Graeme Archer, Professor Tim Bale and others give their suggestions.

Osborne of the North

How the Chancellor used Manchester as his starting-point of his Northern Powerhouse plan for urban revival and election success.

Greg Clark MP: Matthew Colledge, Sean Anstee, the legacy of Susan Williams – and the revival of Manchester

Its City Deal is an example of what our Government is doing to create and reinforce a virtuous circle of investment, success and prosperity in our urban areas.