Long-term strategies – they never sound like vote-winners, but a city will struggle to change without one.

If – like me – you’re used to dividing attention between Liverpool and Manchester, you’ll be used to the comparisons often made between the cities. The most common one is that Manchester has had better long-term strategies for growth, with the late Sir Howard Bernstein often credited for his work leading city centre regeneration.

People in Merseyside sometimes groan about the comparison but it’s hard to avoid. Whatever you think of Manchester’s skyscraper-studded skyline, it’s undeniably a visible symbol of growth.

Now Liverpool has growth symbols too – particularly Everton’s new stadium. But everyone acknowledges there’s work to do.

That long-term growth planning in Liverpool city region now sits with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the combined authority. It might........

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