A CRITICISM often levelled at the West Midlands' movers and shakers is that they fail to provide the strong political leadership this region needs to prosper, that they do not shout loud enough and fight hard enough on our behalf.
This is a deficit that has - we hope - been addressed by the appointment of Liam Byrne, to the new post of West Midlands Minister.
His job will not be dissimilar to that of an elected mayor - a post he would, coincidentally, like to see created in Birmingham.
It will be interested to see how the role of West Midlands Minister develops and what successes Mr Byrne delivers as this region strives to thrust forward.
For Mr Byrne's achievements over the months ahead will provide evidence of the sort of benefits that an elected mayor might bring us.
The template has been created by his appointment. We can now see if it works.
In the meantime, let us wish Mr Byrne well as he collars colleagues in Whitehall to argue our case.
We need a person of vision and determination to fight the West Midlands' corner.
The question is: would an elected mayor be even better?